Joan Evans Burton was born on October 20, 1930 to the late Clifton and Alice Evans. She died peacefully on October 6, 2020. She was born in Andover, Massachusetts and at the age of six moved to the Panama Canal Zone with her parents. She lived there for 10 years before returning to their home in New Hampshire.

Mom married the love of her life, Robert E Burton on October 28, 1950 at Grace Episcopal Church in Alexandria, Virginia. They were married for 67 years. Joan was a devoted wife, who took great care of him as he lost his vision.

Joan loved her family. She was very active in her children’s lives as they were growing up: room mother at school, Girl Scout leader. She loved the Falls Church high school band and chaperoned at every opportunity. She was crowned Mrs. Ork 1972 which made her so proud. She continued to help with the band long after her kids graduated from high school.

She loved people. She had a huge laugh and loved life. She loved her friends and made new friends wherever she went. She stayed in touch with her friends, even ones she made when she was in Panama.

Joan was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert and her son, Charles Burton.

She is survived by her daughters, Suzanne Miles and her husband Thomas Miles, Lynn Helder and her husband Edward Helder, and her daughter-in-law Lisa Burton. She has 8 Grandchildren: TJ , Chris and Matt Miles; David , Amy Burton and Brittany Burton Satterfield, John Helder and Kelly Helder Dennis.

She has 11 great grandchildren. Tommy, Bridget, Levi Miles, Amelia and Emmett Helder, Wade Dennis and Jamie, Jocelyn and Elias Kinlaw, Quentin and Gabriel Miles.

The family would like to thank all the staff at Brighton Gardens of Raleigh, especially Juana, who helped Joan during the past few years and especially during the last few months. We would also like to thank St. Michael’s Episcopal, DMHC and Heartland Hospice for all the care and support.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to : The Foundation Fighting Blindness by clicking that link, or by mail at: The Foundation Fighting Blindness PO Box 45740, Baltimore, MD 21297-5740. Visit FightingBlindness.org

A Memorial Service will be held at Renaissance Funeral Home on Monday, October 19, 2020, beginning at 11am.** Those attending are asked to observe social distancing and are required to wear a mask indoors.