Obituary of Linda Ellis Burton

Linda Ellis Burton, 74, passed away on Wednesday, June 15, 2022. She was born on February 6, 1948, in Talladega. She was preceded in death by her father, Roy Clifton Burton and her mother, Mary Evelyn Burton She attended a special education program in the Talladega school system until she turned 21 years old. Due to her mother’s efforts, she then attended the Talladega Sunshine Program that provided a meaningful education opportunity for special needs citizens. It was renamed the Burton Developmental Center in 1984 in honor of her mother. She attended there until 2018. She was a member of Talladega First Baptist Church and a proud member of the Sunshine Sunday School class. She loved singing in various places with the Rainbow Angels. Every year she looked forward to Sunshine Saturday, which is a fundraising event in Talladega for the ARC that supports individuals with disabilities. Many summers Linda enjoyed going to Camp ASCCA, a camp for those with special needs, and she loved swimming in the Special Olympics. Linda was loved by her family and everyone else who knew her. She went on many church trips including Branson, Missouri, the New England States, Canada, and to Europe. She loved traveling with her family throughout the United States. Her favorite T.V. show was Lawrence Welk which she watched faithfully every Saturday night. She moved to Rainbow Omega, which is a home for special needs adults, in September 2021 and enjoyed her new friends and activities there. She is survived by her sister Nancy Burton Hanes (Steve) of Peachtree City, Georgia, Other survivors include her niece, Shannon Ellis Hanes of Duluth, Georgia and nephew Scott Burton Hanes (Julie) of Pell City, Alabama, along with her great niece, Melia Olive Hanes and great nephew John Scott Hanes and many cousins. The family would like to express their appreciation to her wonderful caregivers who showed her so much love and took such good care of her: Tonett Wells, Judy Rouse, Denise Suttle, Tressey Spencer, Thyreshia McMeans, and all the staff at Rainbow Omega. A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday June 25th at the First Baptist Church in Talladega at 11:00am preceded by visitation at 10:00am. Serving as Pallbearers will be Ricky Barber, Andy Brown, Larkin Coker, Goerge Montgomery, Steve Spencer, Bob Burton, Jack Burkhalter and Tommy Capps. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 696, Talladega, AL 35161 or The ARC of North Talladega County, P.O. Box 853, Talladega, AL 35161, or Rainbow Omega, P.O. Box 740, Eastaboga, AL 36260. Usrey Funeral Home Talladega will direct.