Betty Irene Burton - 27 East
logo logo logo logo

News / Obituaries / Southampton Press / 1474091

Betty Irene Burton

icon 1 Photo

author on Dec 8, 2008

Southampton native Betty Irene Burton of Greensboro, North Carolina, died on October 8 at her home in Greensboro after a lengthy illness. She was 76.

Born in Southampton on January 24, 1932, to Alma Pelham Thomas and Garland Lee Thomas, she attended Southampton Public Schools and graduated in 1950. In 1954 she received a bachelor’s degree in education from the State University of New York at New Paltz, and in 1957 earned a master’s degree in elementary education from the Teachers’ College at Columbia University.

She later received a diploma in supervision and administration from the Teachers’ College in 1968. Elected to the honor society for the National Education Association, Kappa Delta Pi, she was also member of the Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development and the Association of Childhood Education International.

According to survivors, “Miss Betty,” as she was known by all her friends, had a special love for children and their educational development and will be remembered for her kind heart and strong convictions.

She taught in the Elmont public schools where she became supervisor of elementary education. Upon retirement, she and her husband, James D. Burton relocated to Greensboro, North Carolina, where they immediately became involved in numerous social and civic activities.

Predeceased by her husband in 2004, she is survived by two sisters, Sarah Thomas of Southampton, and Mary Ann and her husband William Hart of Florida; a brother, Elder Alvin Thomas of Virginia; two nieces and their husbands, Tanya and Reggie Pinder and Michelle and Tom Cartagena; three great-nephews, Reggie, Reid and Christopher; and a great-niece, Elyssa.

In addition, she is survived by friends, Koretta King, Carol Moffitt and Angela King, all of North Carolina—whom the family credits for providing loving care during her illness; a special friend, Elizabeth Brookshire, also of North Carolina; and a host of other relatives and friends.

The family held a private funeral service on October 14 in Greensboro.

You May Also Like:

A Brilliant Light

The village was quiet last Thursday on the morning of a beautiful day, the beginning of many more. People were scattered on benches resting and talking; reading The Press, or rising reluctantly to go about mundane errands. I sat savoring the sleepy peaceful morning when I sensed a luminosity rising and surrounding the First Presbyterian Church, almost as if flowers were bursting into bloom out of a sea of blackness. Gathered on the steps of the church and flowing down to the street were masses of young people moving quietly as cars pulled up and more and more people joined ... 12 May 2025 by Staff Writer

Budgeting 101

A simple fact about the SALT deductions is being obscured with Nick Lakota’s statements in the news. If the 2017 tax rules expire, residents will once again be able to deduct 100 percent of their state and local taxes. If all New York representatives vote together, the new budget will fail. “Fighting” for a higher limit is unnecessary. The proposed reconciliation bill cuts taxes and once again has sunset rules for four years hence. This is not creating policy, it is political posturing. We need a long-term, stable tax policy. This is not the way to do it. Overall budgeting ... by Staff Writer

Backroom Deals

Who is Jose Reyes? This question seems, by their reactions, to be the most important matter the Southampton Town Democratic Committee has to deal with. For me, and many voting citizens of Suffolk County who contact me, the question isn’t “Who is Jose Reyes?” but rather what other dark backroom deals are the Suffolk County Democrats and Republicans conspiring on. That is why the public needs people like “Jose Reyes” to come forward and shed some light on these dark deeds. To some people, 53 years ago is ancient history, but it is relevant today to remember “Watergate” and “Deep ... by Staff Writer

Business Briefs, May 15

The Clubhouse Announces Catering Partner for Summer 2025 The Clubhouse in Wainscot has announced an exclusive partnership with premium international hospitality group Rhubarb Hospitality Collection as the preferred catering partner for the upcoming summer season. Events by RHC East expanded to the Hamptons last summer and crafted events with innovative cuisine, elegant food, modern sensibilities and genuine hospitality, according to a press release. Rhubarb Hospitality Collection is a preferred catering partner to several New York venues including the New York Public Library and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, MoMA. Executive Chef Paul Marrocco has more than two decades of experience ... by Staff Writer

Volunteer Ambulance HQ To Be Dedicated During Open House

The Southampton Volunteer Ambulance will hold an open house and dedication ceremony for its new headquarters on Sunday, May 18, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The building is located at 1256 North Sea Road in Southampton. The event will include tours of the state-of-art facility and regional EMS training center. Many volunteer members will be on hand, plus there will be opportunities to learn life-saving skills and home emergency preparedness. by Staff Writer

Keeping the Public Trust

By Michael Anthony, Andrea Klausner, George Lynch, Barbara Weber-Floyd The public entrance to The Southampton Press informs visitors that good journalism exists here. The walls are festooned with award plaques signifying a long history of excellence in reporting the news, sharing opinions and otherwise keeping the community well-informed. Sometimes, though, a person of ill will takes advantage of the best, and that brings us all down. On May 8, The Press published “A Note From the Editor” acknowledging that the letter writer calling himself “Jose Reyes,” sometimes from Hampton Bays and sometimes from Southampton, is a fictitious person. After members ... by Michael Anthony, Andrea Klausner, George Lynch, Barbara Weber-Floyd

Jessica A. Poulson Schmitt, Formerly of Hampton Bays, Dies August 5

Jessica A. Poulson Schmitt, formerly of Hampton Bays, died on August 5, 2024. She was ... by Staff Writer

Schools Preparing for New York State 'Bell-to-Bell' Cellphone Ban That Will Take Effect in September

It’s official: When the new school year starts in September, students in New York State’s ... by Cailin Riley

Longtime Pillars of East Quogue Community Retire From Civic Association

Back in the mid-1990s, Anne Algieri was at the forefront of a grassroots campaign in ... 11 May 2025 by Cailin Riley

Express Sessions: The South Fork's Bounty, on Land and at Sea

The latest in the Express Sessions panel discussion series, “ The South Fork’s Bounty, on ... 10 May 2025 by Editorial Board