Community celebrates Rev. E.T. Burton at 95
by Leslie Terry
Enthusiasm and accolades flowed as the community celebrated the illustrious Rev. Dr. E. T. Burton. He is depicted as being like a tree planted by the waters of life and knowledge. On Saturday, July 23 from 3–6:30 pm a 95th birthday celebration was held at the Salem Civic Center to honor a pillar of the community, passionate pastor, and tenacious local legend who is none other than Rev. Dr. Edward T. Burton, Pastor emeritus of the Sweet Union Baptist Church (1959-2009). Over 180 family and friends (some traveling from Maryland and North Carolina) including local ministers gathered to surprise this great man who has been at the forefront of the faith-based community in Roanoke for over 60 years and a great celebration it was!
Of the various accolades showered upon Rev. Burton, the family shared a glimpse of a few precious memories: his daughter, Venice Cheatwood shared her love for her father and thanked him for being a wonderful dad. Stepdaughter Phyllis Wright shared how he calls her his “angel daughter” a title that she says reflects his heart. His grandchildren, Chantice, Christian, and CJ also shared their stories and his lovely wife Barbara Burton shared her admiration for him as a pastor, husband, father, and grandfather.
Rev. Serenus Churn Jr., pastor, High Street Baptist Church, presided over the occasion with musical selections performed by Anita Wilson, DeRon and BJ Lark, Carolyn Hubbard all of Roanoke, and a special tribute from Minister Barbara Wright of Maryland singing “Just Another Day the Lord Has Kept Me.”
Several ministers were on the program with guest speaker Rev. Dr. Cedric E. Malone, pastor, Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church who delivered a powerful message using a tree as a motif (from Genesis to Revelation) that has stood the test of time. He encouraged everyone in attendance to come and “sit at the foot of the tree and glean wisdom from 95 years of a life well lived.” With a humorous tone, Malone also said, “Dr. Burton is still here and it looks like he can make it to 110!”
Rev. Burton expressed his gratitude to the many who traveled from near and far who turned out for his birthday celebration. In that unique Burton style, his remarks were full of subtle and humorous notes thanking everyone and telling his wife; “I will thank you later at home!”
Mrs. Burton, children, step-children, grands, great grands, in-laws, and other family members convey expressions of gratitude to all in attendance and those who contributed to this special occasion. Decorations were by Chantice Cheatwood, DJ Toney Pitzer, hostesses, Linda Daniels, Kay Pres- ton-Davis, Delores Riles and Elizabeth Matthews.
