William Lloyd Burton

William Lloyd Burton Sr., son of the late Reverend Edward L. and Emma W. Burton, was born on August 31, 1917 in Currituck County, North Carolina. He departed this life on March 19, 2003 after multiple injuries and related complications following an automobile accident on March 9, 2003.Everyone who shared time with Lloyd felt good about just being with him. His soft-spoken nature, inviting smile and kind demeanor are signature characteristics. So too are his wisdom, good citizenship, guidance, humor and love and commitment to his faith and family. These traits are outgrowths of his early life. He grew up in Elizabeth City, North Carolina and was educated at the P. W. Moore High School. He confessed to never getting the best grades but always, along with his cousin, the late A.M.E. Zion Bishop Alfred G. Dunstan, contending for the most fun. Additionally he fondly reflected upon his summers with his Grandma Lizzie and his cousins in Coinjock, N.C. and called those days the best part of his childhood.After graduation he became a member of the United States Army where he served the country in the Philippine Islands during World War II. He joined the Army in 1943 and was honorably discharged in 1946 after distinguished service that included being awarded four medals.Also in 1946 he married the former Elnora Winslow of Elizabeth City, N.C. whom he met at the Mt. Lebanon A.M.E. Zion Church where both were members. Out of their union four children were born, William Lloyd Jr., Kermit Clifton, Gerald Lee and Laureen Elnora.After marriage, Lloyd attended the Saint Paul’s College in Lawrenceville, Virginia from which he graduated with a BA degree in 1953. While at Saint Paul’s he was the first Basileus of his beloved Omega Psi Phi Fraternity in which he had Lifetime Member status. Upon moving to Baltimore in 1953 to advance Elnora’s career as a educator, Lloyd began a thirty-year career as a postal clerk with the United States Postal service. He retired in 1980.In retirement Lloyd worked tirelessly alongside Elnora in her work with the Alumni Association of the Virginia State University and was officially recognized as an honorary member. He also maintained his life-long membership and participation in the A.M.E. Zion Church. Lloyd especially prized the time he and Elnora could spend with their children’s families. He loved each spouse, grandchild and great-grandchild. He likewise treasured his nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws and remained close to his brother and sisters. Lloyd also prized the involvement he and Elnora shared with extended family members, friends from many churches, and adopted seniors.At home he was an avid fan of Baltimore sports teams and loved to attend Orioles baseball games. You could also find him listening to the music of jazz masters while engrossed in crossword puzzles or reading The Reader’s Digest Magazine from cover to cover.William Lloyd Burton Sr. leaves to mourn: his wife, Elnora Winslow Burton; three sons, Reverend William Lloyd Burton Jr. and his wife Brenda, sons, Kermit “KC” Burton and his wife Essexe and Gerald Lee Burton and his wife Bernadette; one daughter, Laureen Elnora Burton-Kendrick and her husband Willie; one brother, Archie Burton; two sisters, Eddie McCaffity and Mildred Woods; seven grandchildren, Marcella, Edward, Eldon, Keresse, Evan, Brittany and Bryce; one great-granddaughter, Briana; one sister-in-law; one brother-in-law and a host of other relatives and friends.

Tributes

William Lloyd Burton

August 31, 1917 - March 19, 2003