August 16, 1928 - August 19, 2018
Kathleen Jolly Burton, long-time resident of Little Rock, AR, died August 19, 2018 in Dallas, TX. She was born August 16, 1928, to Roy and Bessie Jolly. Kathleen's three brothers, Mabry, Estes and Roy, and two sisters, Ardis and Martha, preceded her in death. She was also preceded by her dear husband, Dr. Glenn Allen Burton.
Kathleen grew up in Jonesboro, AR. She graduated from Jonesboro High School in 1945. She then attended Ouachita Baptist College and graduated in 1949. After college, Kathleen moved to Little Rock. There she joined Immanuel Baptist Church, where she met her future husband, raised a family, sang in the choir, and taught Sunday school. At Immanuel, she also served as president of Baptist Women, chairman of Woman's Missionary Union, and committee member on pastor search committees. Kathleen loved her alma mater, Ouachita Baptist University, and she was blessed to serve on the Board of Trustees of Ouachita Baptist University for 12 years and as Chair of the Board in 1986.
The family wishes to send a special thanks to Kathleen's Sunday School friends from Immanuel, who continued their long distance relationship with Kathleen after she moved to Dallas; to President Ben Sells and the Development Staff at Ouachita, who continued to make Kathleen feel part of the school; to all the longtime friends and staff at Parkway Village in Little Rock, where she spent 15 joyous years in independent living; and to the wonderful residents and staff at C.C. Young in Dallas, who welcomed and supported Kathleen into their independent living community for the last three years.
Kathleen is survived by her children: Dr. Allen Burton, Jr. (Paula) of Ann Arbor, MI; Mark Burton (John Wright) of Dallas, TX; Brian Burton of Las Vegas, NV; and Sara Deats of McKinney, TX; and her grandchildren, Anthony Burton and Kelly Burton.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, August 24, 2018, at Immanuel Baptist Church Chapel, 501 N. Shackelford, Little Rock, AR 72211. A private burial service for the family will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends following the service at Immanuel. Memorials may be made to Immanuel Baptist Church, Ouachita Baptist University: https://obu.edu/development/give/, or the charity of your choice.
I met Miss Kathleen when I worked as the nurse for PWV Independent Living. I enjoyed her friendship and missed her when she moved but I know she enjoyed being so near family. She made her mark! and leaves her friends and family with a wonderful legacy of love and faith.
Mark & Brian,
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. We sons do love our mothers. Stay very close to God and He will see you through this. Also, please know how wonderful you both are and how beautifully you have honored your parents.
Much love,
Bruce Weddle
Allen - I'm very sorry to hear about the passing of your mother. Though its a small consolation, I hope that you'll get some joy out of taking the occasion to see and reflect on your mom's life with family and friends who you don't often get to see. Sending love and sympathies your way - Dan Lavoie (Emma, Luca & Nina)
With Sincere Sympathy,
Claudine Waters
Immanuel Baptist Church
Parkway Village
I loved your mother; she and I got to know each other well on a trip to Glorieta. What a celebration there must have been when Kathleen passed into the arms of Jesus! May each of you be comforted by happy memories and the knowledge that you will see her again soon.