Evelyn Williamson Burkes

Funeral services for Evelyn Williamson Burkes will be held Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 11 a.m. from McClain-Hays Chapel with Bro. Dwight Fleming, Bro. Don Parrish, Bro. Tony Linley and Bro. Micah McKenzie officiating. Burial will follow in Mars Hill Cemetery in Winston County. Visitation will be held Friday, April 10, 2026 from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at McClain-Hays Funeral Home.

Ms. Burkes, 84, of Philadelphia passed away on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at her home.

Ms. Evelyn was born and raised in the Bloomo Community to Manuel and Millie Pierce Williamson. She attended Bloomo Schools early on and graduated from Neshoba Central High School. She was employed for 40 plus years at Philadelphia Utilities where she was Office Manager. She loved gardening, her flowers and truly loved her family. Ms. Evelyn was a member of Mars Hill Baptist Church. She was loved by one and all and will be truly missed.

Survivors include daughter, Carol Burkes (Randall Pugh); grandsons, Jimmy Estes (Dana) and Tucker Estes (Tracy); great-grandchildren, John Tucker Estes, Emerson Estes, Ellis Estes and Dawson Estes; brother; Harold Williamson; family friend, Ann Myers; numerous nieces, nephews, friends and their families.

Ms. Burkes was preceded in death by her husband, Wendell Burkes; parents, Manuel and Millie Pierce Williamson sister, Juanell Kirkland; brothers, Willie James and Gilbert Williamson.

Pallbearers: Jim Estes, Randall Pugh, Joshua Drury, Larro Thompson, Mike Williamson, Grady Pierce.

Honorary Pallbearers; Steve Tucker and John Burt.

Family request in lieu of flowers donations be made to Mars Hill Cemetery in Winston County.