Afton Morrill LaVallee

Afton Morrill LaVallee, age 82, passed away peacefully on December 19, 2025, in Lawrenceville, Georgia. She was a woman whose kindness, wisdom, and gentle strength left an enduring mark on the people she encountered.

Born on February 8, 1943, in Lordsburg, New Mexico, Afton was the second of three daughters born to Glenn and Olive Morrill. She was a devoted wife, sister, mother, and grandmother who cherished her family, friends, and clients. She is reunited in peace with her beloved sister, Glenda Cutchen, who preceded her in death in 2019. She will be buried in Tridell, Utah alongside her mother and father.

Due to her father's career, Afton and her family moved often. Shortly after her birth, they moved to Gunnison Utah, followed by the country of Iran, then to Switzerland, and then back to Iran. During her early teen years, her family moved to Ithaca NY, then to Laie Hawaii, and finally to Auburn Alabama where she went to college.

Afton had a remarkable presence. Her smile reflected her generous spirit and her ability to make others feel welcome, valued, and understood. When Afton gave her attention, it was wholehearted, warm, and deeply affirming.

People knew Afton professionally as Dr. Afton Burt, a name associated with compassion, insight, and meaningful change. After earning her doctorate in clinical psychology from Georgia State University, she spent more than 25 years serving the Gainesville, Georgia community. Through her work, she helped many individuals find strength, clarity, and hope. Her clients remember her not only for her expertise, but also for her deep empathy and unwavering belief in their ability to heal and grow.

Afton embraced many roles throughout her life, each with grace and devotion. She leaves behind a legacy of warmth and care. She shared 20 special years of marriage with her husband Theodore (Ted) J. LaVallee with whom she enjoyed traveling to foreign countries, relaxing at their vacation home in Fripp Island, SC., and living on Lake Lanier.

She is survived by her husband, Ted; sister Carolyn Morrill (Jerry Owen); her children Melanie Burt (Philip Brust) and John Burt Jr. (Lisa), along with grandchildren: Harrison Burt (Jessica), Jonathon Burt (Abby), and Charlotte Burt. Afton embraced Ted's family, including his four adult children: Marie Lynne LaVallee; Theodore James (Jim) LaVallee Jr. (Lyn) and their two children Mitchell LaVallee and Mary Kathryn Stocks (Griffin); Anne LaVallee (Thomas Schroyer); Lisa LaVallee and her children Erica Ray and Ava Ray. Afton was also close to her late sister Glenda's family, including 4 nieces and a nephew and their families and who all live out West.

Afton lived a life defined by love, generosity, and quiet wisdom. While we will miss her presence, we are comforted by the knowledge that her legacy continues in the lives she touched and the hearts she shaped. May we honor her by carrying forward her warmth, her attentiveness, her compassion, and in remembering the light she brought into the world.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, January 22 at 11AM at Christ the Redeemer Church: 991 Kilough Church Road, Dawsonville, GA 30534.

Afton had a passion for animals and found joy in rescuing dogs. She loved them generously, treating them to a wonderfully spoiled life that included adventures at both the lake and the beach. Donations can be made in her honor to the Humane Society of Forsyth County http://www.forsythpets.org/donate/ *email for ecard notification: [email protected]