Eral Burks

Eral Burks was born January 7, 1959, in Jordanville, NY to John Will and Lois J. Boykin-Burks. He was raised in Jordanville, NY and graduated from Owen D. Young High School in 1977. He eventually relocated to Cleveland, Ohio and completed his Bachelor of Science Degree at Dyke College in 1984. Eral also attended Dartmouth University where he completed a specialized post graduate business certification program.

From 1984-1985 Eral worked for his sister, at Earledean Burks and Associates, a recruiting firm located in Cleveland, Ohio as an Executive Recruiter. It was at this firm Eral mastered the art of recruiting which led him to opening his own business, Minority Executive Search LLC. With his entrepreneurial spirit Eral led the company which specialized in female and minority job placement to impressive heights. He remained the CEO of Minority Executive Search until he went to be with the Lord.

Eral married the same girl he dated in college. She caught his eye while playing basketball because she was at every game as a cheerleader. On March 23, 1986, he was united in marriage to Dianna Gadson in Cleveland, Ohio. He was a devoted father to one daughter Charita Nicole, and one son Darion Eral. He loved his family very much and the newest member of the family, Aria Johnae, gave him a lot of joy. He thought she was the perfect granddaughter and adorable. He would take her outside a lot to help her learn about the outdoors and nature. He was very jolly with a welcoming smile; he loved to laugh and would talk to anyone who would listen. Above all, he loved GOD. Eral prayed, had private devotion daily and read his bible and books from the Christian Education class.

Eral is survived by his devoted wife Dianna, two children Charita and Darion. One grand-child Aria Johnae, 5 sisters – Iona Jenkins of Somerset NJ, Earledean Burks and Maureen Burks both of Jordanville NY, Mary Burks of Atlanta GA and Lisa Burks of Ontario Canada. Eral has one brother Evon Burks (Theresa). Extended family includes Pat Burks, Philmane Burks, Donna Burks and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by seven brothers, one sister, Oscar, Willie, John, Delmonte, Jerome, Freeman, Zacherus, and Elaine.

The family will be present to receive relatives and friends at Gaines Funeral Home 5386 Lee Road Maple Heights, Ohio on Friday, November 28, 2025, from 4-7pm.

Homegoing service will be held Saturday, November 29, 2025, at The Greater Abyssinia Baptist Church 1161 East 105th street Cleveland, Ohio 44118 at 11am. Interment will be held at Lakeview Cemetery immediately following the Homegoing Service.