Jodie Lee Burton

Dr. Jodie Lee Burton, age 71, of Cornelia, Georgia, passed away on Thursday, January 16, 2014.

Dr. Burton was born on November 14, 1942 in Marietta, Georgia; son of the late James Howard and Irene Alma Morris Burton. He was also preceded in death by his nephews, Ross Andrew Brock, Carey Brock and Nowlan Allen; niece, Rachel Brock; and brother-in-law, Lester Brock.

Dr. Burton was a graduate of Marietta High School and he attended North Georgia College, graduating with a degree in education, with a concentration in history. He served as an officer on active duty with the United States Army and with the United States Reserve for eight years, with a final rank as a Captain.

After leaving the service, Dr. Burton attended the University of Georgia obtaining his Masters of Education and Specialist in Education degree in Social Science Education. Dr. Burton served as a social studies teacher at Rockdale High School in Conyers, Georgia for two years. The University of Georgia was again his home as he completed his Doctors degree in Social Science Education.

In 1971, Dr. Burton moved to Demorest, Georgia and began teaching at Piedmont College. His first year was spent teaching both history and education. History was one of his first loves. In 1972, Dr. Burton was appointed Chairman of Division of Education at the college. He taught secondary teacher education. He was chairman of the steering committee for the college's self-study for the re-affirmation of accreditation.

In 1978, Dr. Burton left Piedmont College to become dean of Brewton-Parker College for continuing education and later given the added responsibility naming him associate dean of the college. In 1983, Dr. Burton returned to Habersham County to teach at the Georgia Industrial Institute before returning to Piedmont College as the Registrar. In 1989, Dr. Burton became the Registrar at Limestone College in Gaffney, South Carolina, until his retirement in 2003.

Dr. Burton was a member of the First Baptist Church of Cornelia. He taught the Volunteer and Southern Baptist Senior Adult Sunday school classes. Dr. Burton taught the Senior Adult Sunday school classes for over 30 years. He was a deacon and a treasurer for the church. He enjoyed the Tuesday Morning Men's group; he loved making a cake for everyone to enjoy before they began their work. Dr. Burton enjoyed his family, reading books on history, especially on the Civil War and sports.

Survivors include his loving wife for over 40 years, Shirley Hamby Burton, Cornelia; son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Jennifer Burton, Clarkesville; sister, Peggy Morris Brock, Alto; a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 18, 2014 at First Baptist Church of Cornelia with Dr. Eric Spivey and Rev. Steve Doran officiating. Interment will follow in Yonah Memorial Gardens with Rev. David Turner officiating.

The family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Friday, January 17, 2014 at Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, Georgia.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to the First Baptist Church of Cornelia, Retire the Debt Fund, P.O. Box 96, Cornelia, Georgia 30531; Country Shaker Parkinson's Support Group, c/o Mrs. Lougene Loehr, 3960 Harmony Dr. Gainesville, Georgia 30507; Homestead Hospice, 1731 Meriweather Dr., Suite 107, Bogart, Georgia 30622

Arrangements are in care of Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, Georgia. (706)778-7123