Charlie Burton

Charlie Burton, 96, a life long resident of North Garden, Va., went to be with his eternal father on Monday, June 27, 2005.

Charlie was born Feb.17, 1909, to the late Charlie and Carrie Jefferson Burton of North Garden.

He is preceded in death by four siblings, James "Jim" Burton, John Burton, Elise Holsendolph, and Ruth Armstead.

Charlie was an example of goodness and kindness. He was willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He believed in an "honest days work." He was a veteran of the United States Naval Service serving in Guam in World War II.

Upon his return he performed many interesting jobs. He was a horse whisperer in Farmington and owned his own logging business with his brother, John. He also farmed and was an apple picker, just to name a few. He also provided the best learning environment possible for educators and children as custodian at Red Hill Elementary school. When he retired, they honored him with a celebration, "Charlie Night."

He joined Zion Baptist Church in North Garden at a very early age and was the oldest member upon his death. At Zion Baptist church Charlie worked diligently as a trustee for many years.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 70 years, Leona Jones Burton; three devoted children, Carolyn B. Byers and her husband, Curtis, Charles K. Burton, and Charlotte Y. Burton, all of North Garden; a sister, Mary B. Jones of North Garden; three granddaughters, Gayle B. Davis and her husband, William of North Garden, Adrienne L. Burton of North Garden, and Megan A. Burton of Charlottesville; two great-grandchildren, Jamari Byers-Davis of North Garden, and Nya S. Burton of Charlottesville, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

All will miss Charlie's quiet nature, love for his family, neighborhood, and the aroma from his pipe. He was a true gentleman.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, June 30, 2005, at Zion Baptist Church, North Garden, Va., with the Rev. Hilliard Brown officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

His remains will lie in repose at the church one hour prior to the service.

The family would like to thank the following for making Charlie's transition through his sickness comfortable for him and his family: Curtis Chapman for his devotion in taking care of Charlie in his last few weeks, Anne Marie Carter for her visits with Leona, his two devoted nieces, Caroline Reaves and Joan Waller and her husband, Alexander, deacon Nathaniel Turner for his many visits with Charlie, evangelist Deborah Simpson for her prayers, support and love, the staff of the University of Virginia 8 West Geriatric Unit, Martha Jefferson Home Health Care, Continuum Home Health Care, Hospice of the Piedmont, and the North Garden Volunteer Fire Department.

Memorial contributions can be made in Charlie's name to the Brandon Jones Memorial Scholarship Fund.

To pay condolences to the family please sign our guest book at www.jfbellfuneralhome.com

J. F. Bell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.