Deacon Gregory Irvin Burton

Deacon Gregory Irvin Burton was born on November 4, 1949 to the union of Grady and Jewel Burton in Benton Harbor, Michigan. Greg was the oldest of 6 children born to this union of Grady and Jewel. Greg was called home to be with Lord on December 16, 2025, surrounded by family. Deacon Burton accepted Christ at an early age, joined Greater Community church as a young child, and has remained a member to this day, serving as an Ordained Senior Deacon, working on the security team, kitchen committee, and Praise Team. Greg attended schools in the Benton Harbor area, graduating from Benton Harbor Sr High in 1967. After graduating from High-School, Greg immediately joined The Air Force from 1968-1973. While serving his country, he experienced life as a firefighter, during which he earned many awards and medals.

Greg was a distinctive man, a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He was a man that loved family and was down to earth, he didn't mind a challenge. When it came to cooking, Greg was a top chef. He loved being in the kitchen alone, making his meals to perfection. If cooking was in the plan, his apron wasn't too far behind. We will remember him as the grill master himself, whether sleet or snow Greg didn't mind firing up the grill. Greg had a passion for cooking, watching sports, and enjoying jazz music and dancing with his wife. He was a lover of music and enjoyed directing The Greater Community Church choir for many years. He was one of the singers in a band called The Angelics and a singing group at Lake Michigan college called the Chosen Few. He will be missed at family functions for being the designated fish fryer. Greg was what others called Cool and observant. He also didn't mind a challenge. When Greg stepped out, he was guaranteed to have his hat and shades on. The younger bunch would remember Greg as being a awesome coach and lover of sports.

In February 1996, Greg met Sharon Eddie, the love of his life, while spinning records at The Post. Greg & Sharon rode the love train for 2 years before making a life long decision to spend the rest of their lives together. Vows were exchanged on October 3, 1998, they later renewed their vows in 2023, celebrating 25 years. Until being called home to be with God, Greg and Sharon shared 27 years of love. Greg leaves to cherish his memories his wife Sharon Burton, daughter Anetra Burton of WichIta, KS and son Lavares Lyons from Topeka KS, also cherishing his memories are his daughters Lateka (Matthew) Wade and Stephne (Perry) Eddie of Benton Harbor, Mi.; 2 brothers, CurVie (Priscilla) Burton of Plano, Tx and Christopher (Erica) Burton of Jacksonville, Fl and 3 sisters; Debra (Oscar) Webster of Benton Harbor, Mi., Effia Casenia (Howard) Stripling of Dayton, Oh. & Carol Faye (David) Burton of Sacramento, Ca. 3 daughters Anetra Burton of Wichita, KS, Lateka (Matthew) Wade of Concord, NC and Stephne ( Perry) Eddie of Benton Harbor, Mi., 1 son; Lavaris Lyons of Topeka Kansas. 7 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Hosts of nieces, nephews, in- laws, family and friends. Gregory was preceded in death by his father Grady Burton, and mother, Jewel Burton. Special Friends Larry Allen & Perry Vaughn.

In lieu of flowers, we invite you to make a donation to the GLB Institute for Health Equity and Social Justice. Named after Gregory's father, Grady Lee Burton, the Institute equips leaders from under-resourced communities with funding, support, and tools to advance health equity and social justice. Like his father, Gregory understood the power of a seed. He knew that one seed, if cultivated, watered, and nurtured, could produce a harvest that would nourish an entire community. Your donation will help us continue this legacy. To learn more about the GLB Institute or to give, go to https://glbinstitute.org/donate/