Peacefully in the presence of family Doris K. Burton, 89, of Kinsale, Virginia, went to be with the Lord, on September 30, 2016. Doris, Skippy to her friends, was born June 9, 1927, in Westmoreland County, Virginia.
She was preceded in death by her parents, James Wright King and Rachel Herbert King, and her brother James “Jimmy” King. She was also predeceased by her beloved husband of 70 years and one daughter, Jennings Carroll Burton Sr., and Judith Melba Burton.
Skippy is survived by her brother, Herbert King, two sons, Jennings Carroll “Bo” Burton Jr. (Nancy), Benjamin James “Ben” Burton (Diane), four daughters, Beverly Hamrick (A.W.), Jeannie Volante, Susie Burton, and Joanne Burton. She had thirteen grandchildren, Paul Burton, Nikki Italiano, Mike Burton (Cindi), Steve Burton (Sarah), Sarah France (Shawn), Derek Richards (Megan), Ricky Volante, Kyle Volante, Will Burton, Zach Burton, Ryan Prescott, Hannah Burton, Nick Burton, and thirteen great-grandchildren, Brian Burton, Emily Burton, Katie Burton, Ashleigh Burton, Kaylee Burton, Rylie Burton, Declan France, Blaise Prescott, Drake France, Easton Richards, Evan Richards, Weston Burton, and Sloane Burton.
In 1943, Skippy married Jennings, and together they raised 7 children. Filled with wanderlust, they left the great Northern Neck and moved to the Hampton Roads area, but the Yeocomico River called them back and they lived overlooking this body of water until recent months. In 1982, Skippy completed her Certified Nursing Assistant courses, an accomplishment of which she was very proud. The majority of her time was spent as a truly devoted wife and mother. She kept hearth and home while Jennings worked all along the Chesapeake Bay and her life was truly devoted to him and his career. Skippy loved to read and her favorite books were thrillers and cookbooks! She was also a collector of “things”. She loved movies and music and never stopped talking about her adventure seeing Elvis Presley in the 1950’s. Her claim to fame was catching a drumstick from his band. We think he winked at her, but this has never been verified. Skippy was truly the matriarch of the Burton clan. She was never happier than when her river home was full of children and folks enjoying her unique style of cooking and entertaining! Skippy was tenacious and determined. She fought hard and defeated major illnesses and surgeries throughout her life. She will truly be missed by her family, friends and loved ones.
A Memorial Service and Celebration of her life will be held on Sunday, October 23 at 4:00 in the afternoon at the Welch Funeral Home Marks Chapel located at 10300 Richmond Road, Warsaw Virginia.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations are considered for the Bon Secours Hospice Foundation. Memorials can be made online at www.bsvaf.org/supporthospice or mailed to the Bon Secours Richmond Foundation, 7229 Forest Ave. Suite 200, Richmond, Virginia 23226.
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