Evelyn Joyce Rutledge Burton was welcomed into the kingdom of heaven on July 28, 2023. She was born on March 8, 1936 to John and Lelia Rutledge of Oakman, Al. Growing up on a farm, the strong values of faith in God, hard work, and devotion to family were instilled at an early age which she exhibited her entire life.
Following her graduation from Oakman High School, Joyce completed Alverson Draughon Business School. She was employed in various roles over her life, but referred to her role as teacher’s aide at an elementary school as the most rewarding. She exhibited a true “heart of a teacher” by helping children learn. Years later, she was greeted by her former students with hugs and smiles.
Joyce lived a full life rich with accomplishments, but her devotion to her family is the legacy that she leaves behind. Her devotion to her family and her strong faith in God were witnessed by everyone who knew her. As a loving wife to her husband and devoted mother to her children, family was always her priority. She loved her brother, sister, brother-in-laws and sisters-in-law very intensely, and they returned that love to her.
She would not hesitate to refer to her grandchildren as “her world”. When her first grandchild named her “Memom” as a term of endearment, all family members, friends, and neighbors adopted this name. As the name implies, she loved and cared for each with a strong bond that words cannot adequately describe. Her unwavering care, unconditional love, and total support for her grandchildren is a legacy that will continue for multi-generations. The memories of Memom will be cherished and forever held close to many hearts.
Memom is survived by her daughter, Kathy Scott (Jim); son, Jonathan Burton (Connie); sister, Martha Banks (Neil); sisters in law, Billie Rutledge, Barbara Rollo, Patricia Phillips; and much-loved nieces and nephews.
Her beloved grandchildren are Leah Hill (Trent); Trevor Scott (Grayson); Jeana Burton and Jon Burton. Her world became even brighter when she was blessed by God with great-grandchildren: Layken Hill, Bowen Hill, and Greer Scott.
She was preceded in death by her husband, the “love of her life”, Jack Burton; her parents, John and Lelia Rutledge; and her brother, Frank Rutledge.
In closing, she requested that these words be included: “We are a family that puts God first, and we will all meet in heaven one glorious day”.
A celebration of life will be held on Aug. 2, 2023 at 2:00 at Collins-Burke Funeral Home in Jasper, Al with interment at Walker Memory Gardens. Visitation will begin at 1:00.
