Winfred Burton

Elder Winfred Burton was born June 3, 1942, son of Willie and Helen Welch Burton in Okolona, Arkansas. During his early childhood, he gave his life to Christ and confessed his hope in Christ. He attended school in Okolona, Arkansas and was a graduate of Camden High School. He was affectionately called “Whimp” by those who knew and loved him. In search of a better life, he moved to Chicago where he had a successful career working as a Pipe Fitter for the Department of Defense at the Great Lakes Naval Base. He later retired and began working for the Illinois Department of Corrections. He later moved to Gurdon where he met and married Margaret Gentry on April 30, 1995. Though they had no children together the Lord added to their union Sherri, Caithy, Troy, Shauna, and Aundray. He united with Pleasant Grove Baptist Church under the pastorate of Rev. Rufus R. Hatley and continued to grow in Christian faith. He answered the call to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and was licensed as a minister, serving as an associate minister of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. Whimp enjoyed his counseling activities in the community. His infectious smile and hearty laugh will be sorely missed. On Friday, January 22, 2010, after sixty-seven seasons, Elder Burton surrendered his soul to Christ. He was preceded in death by his parents and his only son, James Burton. Those left to celebrate his life are: his wife, Margaret Burton of Gurdon, AR; five step-children, Sherri (Artis) Meeks of Okolona, AR, Caithy Gentry of Gurdon, AR, Troy Ladell (Angela) Gentry of Beaumont, TX, Shauna (Cletis) Knox of Arkadelphia, AR, and Aundray Gentry of Nashville, AR; two sisters, Jerine Hatley of Gurdon, AR, and Ella G. Burton of Chicago, IL; a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Willie Jean Johnson and Zeola (Sammy) Leeper all of Okolona, AR; three brothers-in-law, Willie (Minnie) Hunter of Delight, AR, John Namon (Ester) Hunter of Delight, AR, and Parnell Hunter of Forrest City, AR. Because love is far greater than death he departs this earth in body only. Elder Burton will lie in state on Friday, January 29, 2010 from 12:00 noon until 7:00 p.m. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m. A Service of Triumph & Thanksgiving will be shared at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 30, 2010, in the sanctuary of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Okolona where his nephew Rev. Rufus R. Hatley is the pastor and will preach a message of comfort and hope. Bearers of the casket will be Tirell Hatley, Bob Hunter, Johnathan Gentry, Brad Hatley, Winston Tolliver and Bernard Hatley. The committal service & earthly resting place will be in First Baptist Church Cemetery in Okolona, Arkansas.