Willie James (William) Burton

Willie James (William) Burton
July 20, 1946 – June 12, 2020

Willie James (William) Burton was born in D’lo, MS on July 20, 1946 to the late Mr. Freddie & Allie Burden (affectionately known as Papa and Big Mama). He was 6 of 9 children. Willie accepted Christ at an early age, was baptized and became a member of St. Mary Baptist Church. He attended and graduated from Harper High School. He later married Earnestine Brown and to this union came 4 children. He was a truck driver for many years (VanLines & Popeyes) and he was a carpenter for over 27 years and soon retired. He loved gardening, playing cards, checkers, dominos, and talking noise, but in the end he would win. Everybody always loved going by “Uncle Willie” house, but be prepared that the bathroom could very well be a closet the next day. That’s how fast he would change his house around. They would say “Uncle Willie didn’t you have the carport and front door on this side the other day?” He would laugh and respond by saying “Oh yeah” and explain the reasoning behind the change. That is what he loved to do; build and work on things. He also loved helping everybody in his community.

Willie leaves to cherish his memory: His Significant Other Vanessa whom he loved dearly, 3 children: Diane Handy, Sue (Michael) Jones and Mary Livingston all of New Orleans, LA., 9 Grandchildren: Toshia, Tomeka, Arthur, Bernard Jr., Renard, Tiffany, Tynia, Tangi, and William. 10 Great-Grandchildren: Arthur Jr., Melanie, Chloe, Renard Jr., Roman, Jayden, Avery, Ayden, Chelsea, and Chevy, and his siblings: Alzean Skiffer of Mendenhall, MS, Winston Charlie (Vanetta) Burden and Harold (Victoria) Burden both of New Orleans, LA, Marilyn (Russell) Golden of Louisville, KY, and Margie (John) Genous of Jackson, MS, a beloved sister-in-law Vernie Ruth Burton and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He is proceeded in death by his father Freddie Jean Sr. (1985), his mother Allie (1999), brother Freddie Jean (1962), his daughter Regina Lavon (1966) and his sisters Betty Jean (2006) and Vera Mae (2010).