Sister Ethell Roberts Burkes was born July 27, 1935, in Albany (Dougherty County), Georgia to the late Mozell Roberts, Sr. and Adell Harris Roberts. She was educated in the Dougherty County School System where she attended Monroe High School.

On November 24, 1956, she was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Brother Willie B. Burkes. Their loving union lasted fifty-seven years (57) until his passing on October 18, 2013. This marriage was blessed with two daughters, Jeanette and Rosemary. Together they built a home centered on faith, love, and family.

Sister Burkes faithfully served her community through her work at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, where she retired after twenty-five years (25) of service as a cook. She was well known for her specialty – preparing beautiful, delicious, and nutritious salads that were enjoyed by many. Sister Burkes is remembered for the pride she took in her work and the care she showed in serving others.

At an early age, she gave her life to Christ and joined Ephesus Baptist Church. Later, continuing her walk of faith and her commitment to the Seventh-day Adventist message, she united with the Mercer Street Seventh-day Adventist Church under the leadership of Pastor Joseph Follette on August 16, 1975. The church later became Emmanuel Seventh-day Adventist Church.

During her many decades of faithful service, Sister Burkes served in numerous capacities including Usher, Deaconess, Women’s and Community Services Ministry and as a member of the Church Board. Of all the roles she served, she was most passionate about her prayer life. She cherished every opportunity to go before the Throne of Grace, thanking God for His blessings and lifting others in prayer. She remained a faithful and devoted member of Emmanuel until her passing.

Next to her faith, Sister Burkes held a deep love for her family. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and extended family, and she cherished the memories they created together.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sisters: Bernice Holmes, Elizabeth Williams, Barbara Ann Rockwell, Veronis Lovette, Betty Jean Andrews, and Verdell L. Harris; and her brothers: Mozell Roberts, Jr., Taylor Roberts, and Rodolphus Hodges, Jr.

On Wednesday, March 11, 2026, Sister Burkes quietly went to sleep with Jesus at her home surrounded by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories her loving daughters, Jeanette McCray and Rosemary Burkes Collier (Baron); seven grandchildren: Crawford Wooden, Jr., Tominique Wooden, Ysakia Wooden, Ontario Wooden (Kimberly), Damarcus Wooden, Nakia Collier (Courtney), and India Collier; fourteen great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by one sister: Juanita Sanders; three brothers, Willie J. Roberts (Karen), Willie B. Roberts (Donna), Donald Hodges (Susan); along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and many dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.