Barbara T. Burks

Barbara Towers Burks, 80, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away on March 4, 2026. Born on April 3, 1945, she was the youngest child of Walter Leonard Towers and Jeffie Pearl Towers.

A proud graduate of East High School, Barbara went on to earn her degree in teaching from Central State University. She devoted her career to Columbus Public Schools, first as an educator and later, after completing her master’s degree in counseling, as a guidance counselor who supported and inspired countless students. She continued her commitment to service by working as a service coordinator, helping senior citizens access the resources they needed. She found joy in music, having played the violin in her youth, and expressed her faith through singing and dancing.

Barbara was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt. She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Jeffie Towers; brothers Huey Granderson, Timothy Towers, and George Towers; sister Walterine Scott; and her husband of more than 50 years, George V. Burks.

She is survived by her daughters, Dagayla Burks and Ashley (Franklin) Moore; her cherished grandchildren, Franklin, Ashton, Jasmynn, Christian, Caiden, and Jhaelynn Moore; brothers Leonard (Kimico) Turner and Tracy (Jackie) Turner; sisters Janice Bostic and Wendy Broussard; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends who will miss her deeply.