Jerome Burton

Jerome Burton, 89, entered into eternal peace on Saturday, October 8, 2016, at the Delaware Hospice Center in Milford, DE. Jerome was born on October 29, 1926, the son of the late Mabel Burton and John Henry. He had four siblings John Henry Jr. (Deceased), James Henry (New Castle, DE), Dorothy Harmon (Ellendale, DE), and William Henry (Willingboro, NJ). Jerome was educated in the Milford and Georgetown School Districts. He began working for the George & Lynch Construction Company in 1950 and retired in 1991 after 41 years of service. Of those 41 years, he only missed three days of work! Jerome would often tell his grandchildren about his humble beginnings and how he had to hitchhike to and from New Castle, DE for work. He stated that he would get up several hours early to find a ride to work 2 hours away and then back home. This speaks of his loyalty to his job, high standards, and work ethic. Jerome lived out a great example of Luke 10:27, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and love your neighbor as yourself.” Jerome was a longtime member of the New Zion United Methodist Church in Laurel, DE, where he served as a Trustee member. In his later years, his life revolved around serving others and the church. He was a very kind and gentle soul. He had a loving and generous heart, and was always willing to give to others. He was known for taking his friends and neighbors to doctor’s appointments and stores. He loved people and he was loved by many. Jerome managed a community baseball team, the Laurel Indians, an Eastern Shore Semi-Pro Baseball team. This community baseball team traveled throughout Delaware and Maryland competing. He enjoyed the game of baseball and was an avid New York Yankees Fan! Jerome was a great man and father that was dedicated to serving his family, friends, and community. As one of his friends stated, “He was a MAN among men!” Jerome was preceded to heaven by his beloved wife of 53 years, Jeannette Martha Burton in 2007; Step-son, Gregory Jefferson, Step-daughter, Patricia Johnson, granddaughter, Brenda Jefferson, Great-Granddaughter, Da-Niece Thomas, and Great-Grandson, Tre’veont Johnson. He leaves loving memories to be cherished by his 5 children; Maxine Stancell (Moses) of Seaford, Jerome Jefferson of Columbia, MD, Janice Jefferson of Laurel, DE, Maria Deshields of St. Louis, MO, Cora Thomas (Jasper) of Seaford, DE, and one daughter in Christ, Arinthia Sorden of Milford, DE; 13 Grandchildren and 17 Great-Grandchildren; Sister-In-Law, Adeline Jefferson and a host of nieces and nephews whom he deeply loved. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jerome Burton, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Jerome Burton

October 29, 1926 - October 8, 2016