Samantha Marie Burkes

Samantha Marie Burkes, age 38, formerly of Eastman, Georgia, passed away on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Born on January 12, 1988, in Jacksonville, Florida, to Louie Keith “Bubba” Burkes and Pamela Ann Bowen, Samantha lived life on her own terms as a true free spirit. With a vibrant personality and a heart full of creativity, she found joy in crafting, singing, and acting. She loved browsing thrift stores, making stops at Dollar Tree, spending time at the beach, and surrounding herself with the colorful nostalgia of Lisa Frank. Her favorite movie, Fried Green Tomatoes, never failed to bring her comfort.

Known for her spirited nature and persuasive charm, Samantha was a bit of a spitfire who loved deeply, even as she kept much of her life private. Above all, she cherished her family and friends and chose to live freely and authentically. She was preceded in death by her grandfathers, Louie C. Burkes, Arthur Campbell, James Marshall, and Ronnie Peacock, and by her cousins, Candi Jones and Rachel Pittman.

She is survived by her mother, Pam Bowen; her father, Louie Keith “Bubba” Burkes and his wife, Shirley (Bonus Mom); her brothers, Levi (TiffyJo) Burkes, Justin Burkes, Ben (Amanda) Butterworth, and Brandon Butterworth; her bonus brother, Keaton Pittman; her sister, Becky (Heather) McKeon; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members who will carry her memory in their hearts. Samantha’s free spirit, creativity, and love for life will be remembered always by those who knew and loved her.