Area Woman, Teacher who Spent Life as an Educator and Church Leader, Velma Rose Burton, Passes at 90
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on September 18, 2023
Velma Rose Burton, 90, of Fairmont, passed away on Thursday, September 14, 2023 at MonGeneral Hospital in Morgantown, WV. She was born March 15, 1933 in Lego, WV, a daughter of the late Ivan E. and Myrtle J. Meadows. She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Jackie O. Burton.
Mrs. Burton was a member of the Walnut Grove Church where she was active in both Sunday School and Bible Study, served as Treasurer for several years, and served with the Auxiliary of Gideons International where she held many offices over the years.
She was educated in Mercer County schools. Velma and her husband lived in San Diego, CA, and returned to Fairmont after his service with the U.S. Navy. She then applied herself to her educational endeavors. She had an AA degree in Secretarial Science from Concord College, a BS degree in Business Education from Old Dominion University in Virginia, and a Masters degree in Business Education from WVU. She retired from the Marion County Board of Education having taught business education.
Velma enjoyed hiking with her grandchildren, bird watching with her sisters and brothers, and playing games, especially Scrabble.
In addition to her loving husband, she is survived by her two sons and daughters-in-law, Brent O. and Janeen (Hawkins) Burton, and Edward Spurgeon and Lee Anne (Manns)Burton, all of Fairmont. One daughter and son-in-law, Ronita and Adam Wharton of Beckley, WV. Seven grandchildren, Lori (Tyler) DeVault, Justin Wharton, Monique (Elliot) Callen, Courtney (Brett) Costello, Cyndal Wharton, Cherise (Troy) Watkins, and Kaya Wharton; seven great-grandchildren, Chase DeVault, Piper DeVault, Zoey Costello, Niko Callen, Isiah Wharton, Stephen Wharton, and A.J. Wharton; her sister, Mrs. Raymond (Nita) Smith of Virginia; her sisters-in-law Mary Meadows and Polly Wile both of Camp Creek, WV, as well as many wonderful and much loved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers and their spouses, Albert Meadows, Eldridge Meadows, Hubert (Herta) Meadows, and Ronnie Meadows, her sisters and their spouses, Mrs. Kent (Pauline) Lilly, Mrs. Jim (Athaline) Jillek , Mrs. John (Virginia) Howe, and Mrs. Carl (Launa) Bowling, and her sister-in-law, Mrs. V.J. (Kitty) Wise.
Memorial donations may be made to the Walnut Grove Church, 1024 East Grafton Road, Fairmont, WV, or to The Gideons International, P.O. Box 1453, Fairmont, WV 26555.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ford Funeral Home, 201 Columbia Street, Fairmont, WV. Friends and family are welcome to attend a committal service to be held at the WV National Cemetery in Pruntytown, WV, on Monday, September 18, 2023 at 11AM with Reverend Jim Zinn officiating. Online condolences may be made to www.fordfuneralhomes.com.
