Lloyd “Donald” Burton, Sr. was born on November 7, 1938 in Wachapreague, Virginia to Webster Burton and Hester Snead Burton.

In the early hours of October 29, 2018, the Lord called Donald home to be with Him. He was raised on the Eastern Shore and Norfolk, Virginia. He was the fifth of five children, all of whom preceded him in death (three brothers, Bill, Nuke, and Roy; one sister, Bernice). He was given the childhood nickname “Grizzlepuss” by his brother, Bill, because of how very wrinkled he was when born.

As a child, he deeply revered his brothers and they were his role models. He often recalled wearing “hand me down” clothes from his brothers and being forced to eat vegetables. He credits his big brothers with helping him earn a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English from Norfolk State University in 1967. During his times of struggle in school, those brothers were always there for encouragement and an occasional “kick in the butt” to get him back on track when he needed it. Some of his proudest moments were being introduced to people as “our brother, Donald the college graduate” by his siblings.

Donald had a lifelong passion for baseball. His love of baseball was cultivated during his early years where he and “his boys” barnstormed up and down the Eastern Shore to find games wherever they could. He was a pitcher and often joked about never, ever being the hardest thrower, but always the most accurate. He spoke of his brothers surprising him and taking him to see his Negro League Heroes, Jackie Robinson, Satchel Paige, Roy Campanella, and many others play in person.

At an early age, Donald accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and joined Herbert’s Baptist Church in Wachapreague, Virginia, which he attended for many years. He loved the Lord and spent his life serving and thanking Him for his many blessings. He also regularly attended Sunday services at the Rankin Chapel, Howard University to hear some of the most powerful speakers and teachers in the country.

Donald graduated from Mary N. Smith High School in 1955, finishing second in his class by one point, which always bothered him! He enlisted in the U. S. Air Force and admirably served his country from 1957-1961. The Air Force allowed him to travel and see the world. While stationed at Gunter Air Field in Montgomery, Alabama, he often spoke of being in attendance for the sermons of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and even shaking his hand after the services. He was also in attendance for the August 1963 March on Washington and Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech.

Donald married the love of his life, Mary Stratton, on March 21, 1963 and they lovingly raised their four children and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and grandchildren during their forty-five years of marriage. Sadly, his soulmate and forever love, Mary Stratton Burton, passed away in August 2008.

He was a resident of Dale City, Virginia for over forty-six years. In October 1991, Donald retired from the District of Columbia (D.C.) Department of Health and Human Services following over twenty years of honorable service as a Program Analyst. He also spent many years as speech writer and policy specialist, often being called upon by city and federal government officials to represent the agency and serve as a subject matter expert.

In 1967, years prior to joining the City of Washington, D.C. government, Donald became the first Black Social Worker for the Accomack County, Virginia Department of Public Welfare where he provided aid and assistance to families and dependent children. He also spent time as a Teacher in the Plant City, Florida Public Schools System.

Following retirement, he pursued a calling to become a teacher’s aide for autistic children at Loch Lomond Elementary School in Manassas, Virginia. Donald loved kids and maintained a passion for teaching and learning throughout his life. He spent most of his life writing poetry and often shared his poems with the students and staff. He looked forward to taking the kids on field trips each school year and also wearing his Dr. Suess hat when reading to the class.

He loved sports, and anyone that ever spent time with him was made aware of his favorite team, the Dallas Cowboys. It was very rare to not see him in a hat, jersey, gloves or other item that identified him, or his car, as a Dallas fan. He was the epitome of a true fan for life, win or lose, and never missed a game.

Donald loved many things in life; however, nothing gave him more happiness than his grandchildren. He absolutely adored being their “Pops” and enjoyed bragging about all of their many accomplishments to everyone that he met. He often stated, “being a grandfather was the best job I ever had and I mean that!” He also made it a point to make everyone aware that he also had the smartest and most beautiful and handsome grandkids…and he meant that, too!

He lived a full life and had a big spirit. Family and friends were extremely important to him and he enjoyed attending outings and “holding court.” He loved the spotlight and could always be counted on for a joke and a laugh during the best of times and also a hug and shoulder to lean on during the toughest times. He touched numerous lives with his infectious smile and huge personality. He will be greatly missed by those he loved and countless persons who loved him.

Donald leaves to cherish a lifetime of memories, three daughters, CaSaundra, Katrina (Rodney), and Mia; one son, Lloyd Jr. “D.J.”; seven grandchildren, Craig, Brittain, Imani, Lorin, Rodney Jr., Kaela, and Lloyd III; and two great grandchildren, Craig, Jr. and Shawn; and a host of other relatives and friends.

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