Minister Patricia Ann Burton, age 65, peacefully transitioned on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. at McClellan Veterans Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas.

She was born on August 31, 1960, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, to the late Lowrenzy Burton and Erma Lee Sullivan Burton.

Minister Burton accepted her call into the ministry in March of 1983 at the age of 21, under the pastorship of Pastor Elijah Mason. She was immediately placed under the guidance of Senior Missionary Society Leaders, Sister Lilian Fowler and Missionary Viola Barnes. During this time, she worked diligently with churches throughout the district to help organize and develop a children's ministry known as Red Circle Girls, which emphasized proper church etiquette and spiritual growth. She was also instrumental in the formation of Mt. Zion's Little Children's Choir, which became known for its neighborhood Christmas Caroling Festival.

Minister Burton continued her faithful service within the Missionary Society and was later elected as President and Teacher of the organization. She was officially ordained and licensed in 2012 at Mt. Zion, serving in this role with dedication and humility.

In addition to her ministry, Minister Burton honorably served her country in the United States Army, enlisting in June of 1988. She dedicated 27 years of service, retiring in 2017 while stationed in Italy where she held the position of health and safety chief of the combined military base in Naples, Italy.

Minister Burton was also passionate about education. She was a licensed educator in the states of Texas, Missouri, and Arkansas. Her final professional role was as an Adult Literacy Educator with the Arkansas Department of Corrections.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lowrenzy Burton and Erma Lee Sullivan Burton; her beloved son, Wyshawn Gaddy; and her brothers, Murlee Hines, Sammy Lee Burton, and John Burton.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory her three sons: Todd Smith (Shauna) of Germantown, Tennessee; Michael Kruize, Jr. (Brianna) of Cheyenne, Wyoming; and Mark Kruize of Altheimer, Arkansas; one daughter, MaryBeth Bass of Pennsylvania; two sisters, Mary Burton Shelton (Carlon) of Irving, Texas, and Deloise Walker of Memphis, Tennessee; eight grandchildren; two nieces; one nephew; and a host of cousins, friends, church family, and loved ones.

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness..."

— 2 Timothy 4:7–8 (KJV)

Preferred Florist: Mary & Martha's 870-246-2446

A Fallen Branch

By Jac Judy A. Campbell

The strongest branch has fallen

From our family tree.

God had his way; he's taking me home,

So you need not grieve for me.

For many years God carried me

And kept me at my best.

He strengthened me and kept me strong.

For this we're truly blessed.

Hold strong to our family heritage.

Keep living your life through God.

Keep carrying on the traditions,

The big ones and the small.

Remember all the good times,

The happiness and the love.

Think of me when you reminisce

As I'll be smiling from above.

My mind's at ease, my soul has peace.

My body's now at rest,

For an angel came for me today

And said God needs the best.

The serenity of going home is a miracle

We all shall seek,

So please don't think of me and cry

With a tear upon your cheek.

I've lived and traveled long and hard

To reach my journey's final end,

So let's just say, "Goodbye for now,

Until we're together again."

Samuel L. Vance & Sons Funeral Directors

" The Epitome of Service "