Ashley Shameeka Burks, '06
Ashley Shameeka Burks, '06, passed away on February 22, 2025 in Rockford, Illinois.
Ashley Shameeka Burks (37) entered this world full of joy on May 11, 1987 in Rockford, IL. into the loving arms of her proud parents Sean Burks and Dionne Neal. She slipped into eternity unexpectedly yet peacefully Saturday morning, February 22, 2025 after living an incredible life filled with love, dreams, blessings, accomplishments, adventure, and purpose. She valued family bonds and her immediate family has always been a pillar in her life. At any given time, she wasn't too far from her 'ride or die' mom Dionne, big brother and protector Sean D., younger sister and best friend Cookie, and baby brother Da'Arrio. Having unconditional love and support from them inspired her to study, work hard, and live life to the fullest. Her family came from all parts of the world, and Ashley expressed her love by creating a personal relationship with each and every one, including her godmother Fannie Haley who she affectionally called Ma'.
She attended middle school in Rockford Public School System before relocating to Nebraska during her early teenage years to stay with extended family - John and Barb Real. Ashley was always very smart and graduated as valedictorian of her high school class at Boys Town in Omaha a year early. She was awarded a full ride scholarship to Missouri Western State University. Ashley was on her way to becoming a registered nurse when she was diagnosed with Lupus near the end of her freshman year in 2007. Many people would have given up on their professional dreams, but not our Ashley. She didn't let challenges hold her down. Lupus delayed her college plans, but she refused to be defeated.
While in college, Ashley fell in love with Curtis Brown and several years later they were blessed with their precious daughter Ciniyah. In 2010, Ashley moved back to Illinois and stayed with her family in Elgin - Jeffrey and Patricia Glass where she attended World Overcomers Church. There she began building a committed relationship with the Lord. As her medical challenges grew, so did her faith in God. She experienced miracle after miracle. After moving back to Rockford in 2011, Ashley joined Pastor Anthony and Lady Trista Wilson's ministry where she thrived spiritually. Journaling and talking about the Lord often with dear friend Rachel Butler served as a great source of encouragement. Her passion to help others was exemplified in doing community service, and her dream was to one day be considered for membership in Delta Sigma Theta Public Service Sorority. Ashley was also honored to be a founding member of the Lupus Flare Fighters of Rockford, IL Support Group and was in the process of organizing a fundraising Walk. Fellow members called her the go-getter of the group, because she willingly did whatever needed to be done.
Ashley will be remembered as a young lady driven to excel. She often came up with big ideas and had an uncanny way of talking people into helping her make it happen. It was no surprise when she earned three degrees in two years: an Associate's degree from Rock Valley College in 2019, a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from Aurora University in 2020, and a Master's degree in Social Work from Aurora University in 2021. Preparing to start a business with close friend Brittany Williams, Ashley was working on a Master's degree in Business Administration. We knew a PhD was next.
Despite her academic and professional achievements, her greatest success was being a devoted mother to her beautiful daughter, Ciniyah, which Ashley often referred to as 'my baby' and 'Ni Ni'. She loved getting their hair and nails done. Shopping with her daughter was always on her to-do list especially when it came to jewelry. Time with her baby was precious. She got so much joy knowing Ciniyah had great friends and was often getting her from one activity to the next. Mostly, she loved shouting from the sidelines as Ciniyah cheered at school games or performed at gymnastics. Her mission was to give Ni Ni the best opportunity in life by God's grace.
Ashley had an unforgettable presence, leaving many loved ones to cherish her memory: her beloved teenage daughter Ciniyah Brown who was the love of Ashley's life; devoted mother Dionne Neal, father 'Big' Sean Burks; sisters Arnetta Cookie* (Augustus) Young who was also her very loyal friend, Kionna, Kiera, Shyteria, Areeon, Ebony, Raven, Gariesha, and Nakari; brothers Sean D., Da'Arrio, Sammy, Antonio, Davontae, Sean G. and Darius; godmother Fannie Haley, godsister Patricia Glass, godbrothers Jeffrey Glass, Fred Haley; special friends Brittany Williams and Rachel Butler; Ciniyah's dad Curtis Brown (Nebraska) as well as eleven nieces and nephews that she loved dearly; and a host of cousins, aunts, uncles, other relatives, and friends.
Ashley was predeceased by grandmothers: Arnetta Tiny Burks, Gertrude Stifter, and Auntie Lashon Stifter.