Barbara Ann Burden Leaks

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." - Romans 10:13

The battle has been fought, the victory has been won and peace is granted. Our beloved Barbara Ann Burden Leaks, affectionately known as "Black" but commonly known as "Barbaraann" was called home to eternal rest on August 17, 2025.

Barbara Ann was born on January 7, 1962, in Miami, Florida to the parentage of Luther B. and Katie Mae Burden, both preceded her in death. She was the third of seven children. She spent her early childhood in Perrine, Florida, where she attended Richmond Elementary and Richmond Junior High. The family later relocatedto Goulds, Florida where she continued her education at Mays Junior High and graduated from South Ridge Senior High School .

Barbara Ann accepted Christ at an early age. She first joined Shining Light Holiness Church under the leadership of Mother Velvet Reddick. In her continued walk with God, she later united with Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church, where her faith was further nurtured.

On life's journey, Barbara Ann was joined in holy matrimony to the love of her life, Eric Von Leaks, Sr. To this union five children were born, Shavonte Burden, Tanesha Wilcox, Eric Leaks Jr., Shearena Leaks and Jermaine Leaks. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Eric Von Leaks, Sr. and her son, Shavonte Burden.

Barbara Ann was a dedicated worker, serving faithfully as a housekeeper for 31 years at East Ridge and Baptist Hospital. In her later years, she devoted her life to raising and nurturing her grandchildren, whom she cherished deeply: J'Nyla Brummage, Maliah Leaks, A'rrayah Stevenson, Telkee Stevenson, E'Niyah and E'myra Leaks.

Barbara Ann leaves to celebrate her legacy of love and precious memories her children, Eric, Shearena, Jermaine Leaks and Tanesha Wilcox; brothers, Larry and Robert Buden, and Michael Pinder; brothers-in-law, Victor Leaks and Wendell Bain; sisters-in-law, Tammy and Pearl Leaks, Joycelyn Burden and Tracy Martin; aunts, Betty Louise Henley and Louise Lawrence; uncle, James Henley; goddaughter, Danielle Garner; 14 grandchildren; 4great-grandchildren; cousin, Willie Smith, who was more like a brother; very special friend, Debra Chambers; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and dear friends.

Barbara Ann was also preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Louise and Frank Henley Sr.; fraternal grandparents, Theo and William Burden; aunts, Willie Ann Turner, Grealdine Catherine Burden, Mary Ann Thompson, Ura Lee and Fannie Kate Dukes, Lucy Burden, Valida H. Wilson and Sandra Henley; sisters, Lucy Kate and Elaine Burden; uncles, Roosevelt, Peter, Bobby Ray and Lennon L.C. Burden, Frank, Samuel and Charlie C. Henley; grandson, Shavonte Burden Jr.

Her memory will forever remain a source of strength and comfort to all that knew and loved her.