The Funeral Services for Mrs. Mary Smith Burton

THE FUNERAL SERVICES
for
MRS. MARY SMITH BURTON
Thursday, June 23, 1988 - 3:00 P.M.
ELIM BAPTIST CHURCH
2357 Mt. Auburn Avenue
Augusta, Georgia 30904
Rev. Albert Horton, Presiding
Reverend Charles E. Smith, Pastor
** OBITUARY **
God gave us a loving and caring servant in the name of MRS.
MARY SMITH BURTON. She was born to the parents of the late
Mary and Billy Smith. Her conversion and baptism were at Elim
Baptist Church, where she served, worshipped, and gave much of her
tithes, time, talents and offerings. She was married to the late Deacon
Archie Burton.
Mrs. Burton s love for people and the church were among her most
outstanding qualities. She was a soft-spoken, loving and sincere person
who always exhibited a humanistic approach to life. She was always
concerned about others, aiding them when distressed, rejoicing with
them when triumphant. She lived an abundant life; a life of faith, hope,
and love.
Miss Mary, as she was affectionately called, was a devoted
member of Elim who supported all church activities. She was especially
devoted to the Sunday School, Sanctuary Choir, where she served as its
Treasurer; Senior Mission and Baptist Training Union. In earlier years
at Elim, Mrs. Burton was a member of the C. B. Auffling Club and the
Willing Workers Club. She also served as President of the United
Christmas Savings Club for more than twenty-five (25) years. She held
this office until her death.
Let us not mourn her going; let us rejoice to know that earthly
labors finished, she was prepared to go. Let us emulate her virtues, that
we may say: The world is brighter, better, because she passed this
way.
Survivors include a devoted and loving son, Mr. Joseph A. (Sonny)
Smith; a grandson, Mr. Joseph A. Smith, Jr.; a granddaughter, Mrs.
Claudia S. Greene; cousins, Mrs. Charlotte W. Crawford, Ms. Ruth
Wyse, Mr. William Wyse, Mr. James Wyse, Ms. Doris Crawford and
Mr. Charles Crawford; and other relatives and friends.
** ORDER OF SERVICE **
PROCESSIONAL................... Deacon Ellis M. Johnson
Organist
For All The Saints Who From Their Labours Rest
PRESIDING ..................... Reverend Albert Horton
HYMN .................................................. Choir
I Need Thee Every Hour
SCRIPTURE
Old Testament - Reverend H. B. Bady
Pastor, Cumming Grove Baptist Church
New Testament - Reverend Albert Horton
Pastor, Friendship Baptist Church, Columbia County
PRAYER ................................. Reverend Nathaniel Irvin
Pastor, Old Storm Branch Baptist Church
HYMN ...................................................... Choir
There Is A Fountain
TRIBUTES
SOLO ......
EULOGY ....
RECESSIONAL
................ Deacon Henry Boyette
Chairman, Board of Deacons
Mrs. Lucille Patterson
President, Senior Mission
Mrs. Evelyn G. Etheridge
Co-Director, Youth Activities
.....................Mrs. Marie Stokes
Amazing Grace
.....Reverend C. E. Smith
Pastor, Elim Baptist Church
Going Home
Organist
INTERMENT
Summerville Cemetery
** HONORARY PALLBEARERS **
The Adult Choirs and The Senior Mission
Of Elim Baptist Church
************
** ACTIVE PALLBEARERS **
Quincy McKie
Henry Jordan
Frank Latson
Walter Ne\'
Cleveland Patte
Henry Bo>
************
I would live longer
I gladly would stay
Though storm after storm
Rises dark over the way,
Temptation and trials
Beset me tis true
Yet gladly I'd stay where
Theres so much to do.
Would I live longer
How can I decide;
With Jesus in Glory
Still there to abide,
Oh, Lord leave not the
Decision to me
Where best I can serve
Thee Lord there let me be.
Kipling
************
** ACKNOWLEDGEMENT **
We shall always remember, with deep gratitude, your comforting
expressions of sympathy, prayers, deeds of kindness and other
courtesies extended in the time of illness, bereavement and loss of our
loved one.
************
PEOPLES FUNERAL HOME
723 Walton Way
Augusta, Georgia 30901