Mae A. Burks

We mourn the passing of Mae A. (Benbow) Burks of Worcester, MA.  She passed away in the presence of family at her home on Friday, April 12, 2024.   Mae is a beloved mother, grandmother, great -grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.  Mae’s smile is endearing. Her love for family is unwavering, compassionate, and kind.  She is now reunited with the late Oscar N. Burks, Sr., her loving partner of 33 years and also of Worcester, MA.

Mae worked in banking for more than three decades at various banks, including Mechanics Bank Tower and Bank of America. She held many roles, including bank teller, assistant head teller, head teller, loan specialist, and branch manager.  She excelled in change management, leading teams through multiple mergers and acquisitions.

Mae is survived by two sons, Oscar N. Burks, Jr. and his fiancée Christine Russell of Worcester, MA, and Chief Michael D. Burks, Sr. (Ret.) and his wife Lucia A. Burks of Hudson, MA; her grandchildren Michael D. Burks, Jr. and his wife Jessica Burks of San Leandro, CA, Jennessa Mae Burks of West Boylston, MA, Tiffani L. Burks and her fiancée James Anthony of Hempstead, NY, Miriah A. Marcano of Davenport, FL, Alexa M. Burks of Worcester, MA; great grandchildren Nyemah L. Ayala, Da’Miah Hollins, and Serenity Mae Burks; two sisters, Roberta Cubbage McCray and Agnes Smith of Utica, NY; brother-in-laws & sister-in-laws Evon & Teresa Burks of Fredrick, MD, Eral & Diane Burks of Cleveland, OH, Iona Jenkins of Somerset, NJ, Earledean Burks of Jordanville, NY, Maureen Coles of Jordanville, NY, Mary Hales of Buffalo, NY, Lisa Barrows of Port Colborne, Ontario, Patricia Burks of Rochester, NY, Blandine Burks of Rochester, NY, Philmaine Burks of Alvarado, TX, and Donna Burks of Ilion, NY; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

As the matriarch of her family, she embraced and loved everyone who crossed her path. Mae was always just a call away and expected a call back to know you are safe and sound. If you didn’t call and “let it ring once,” she would remind you until you did.   Nothing was too much weight for Mae to bear when it came to her family and friends. She accepted everyone no matter what they or she were experiencing in their life. Mae weathered any and all storms right by your side. Her home and heart were always open to anyone who needed shelter.  You could talk to her for hours about anything. Her words fed your soul. If you were giving less than your best, she would give you one look to get you back on track. Her laugh was a warm, deep hug.

Mae will be remembered for her pride, strength, and independence. She enjoyed the small joys of life like being outside in her yard, planting flowers, and pausing to soak in the sunshine. Mae loved butterflies, a symbol of light and free-spirited energy. We will lean into the love she gave, memories she left, and warmth we feel every time a butterfly crosses our path.