Leona Yarber Burkley

Leona Yarber Burkley, affectionately known as "Nonnie,"  86, resident of Sikeston, Missouri died Thursday, January 23, 2020 at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston, Missouri.  She was born September 26, 1933 in Tipton, Tennessee to the late Willie and Betty Ann Thompson.

She attended Charleston Public Schools and was a high school graduate.

Leona was baptized at an early age and received  Christ into her life.  She was a founding member of Cornerstone  Baptist Church where she served on the Mothers' Board and sang in the choir.  She was also a former member of the Hospitality Team.

In 1953 Leona was united in marriage to Roy B. Yarber, Sr.   To this union five children were born.  On August 5, 1983 she was united in marriage to David Burkley. He preceded her in death on August 26, 2009.

Leona was a self-employed business owner for many years in Sikeston, Missouri.

Nonnie was truly a woman of  God.  She would have no problem talking to a stranger and leaving having met a friend. Her loving and caring personality made it easy to talk to her and she was able to relate to whatever the person was going through.  She has shared her wisdom with many throughout the years.  Her words of advice and encouragement have been a source of strength for many. Nonnie also enjoyed cooking and fellowshipping.  Words can not express the love she had for everyone.  She was a peacemaker, and loved by many.  Nonnie will never be forgotten.

In addition to her parents and husband, she is also preceded in death by her first husband, Roy B. Yarber, Sr. on May 19, 2012, her step mother, Louise Thompson, six brothers, Odie Thompson, J. C. Thompson, Robert Thompson, James Jay Thompson, Willie Harrell Thompson and Thomas Thompson and five sisters, Gwendolyn Travis Thompson, Tootsie Thompson, Ruth Ann Thompson, Georgia Lee Neil and Betty Jean Gibson.

She is survived by six sons, Sam Warfield, Roy (Pamela) Yarber, Jr. of Chicago, Illinois, Aaron Yarber of Los Angeles, California, Darryl Yarber of Stone Mountain, Georgia, Reggie Yarber of St. Louis, Missouri and Marcus Yarber of Sikeston, Missouri, two brothers, Julion (Linda) Thompson of Dexter, Missouri and Thomas Page Thompson and one sister, Willie Louise Thompson, and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Friends may call Saturday, February 1, 2020 from 10:00 A. M. until the funeral hour of 11:00 A. M. at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Sikeston, Missouri with her son, Pastor Roy B. Yarber, Jr. of King of Kings Missionary Baptist in Lynwood, Illinois, officiating.  Interment will follow in Sikeston Memorial Park Cemetery in Sikeston, Missouri with Williams Funeral Home of Sikeston, Missouri in charge of arrangements.