Willie Mae Burton

Willie Mae Burton was born on the 22nd of March 1923 in Timpson, Texas, to Walter and Sallie Harris. She passed peacefully into the loving arms of Jesus on Sunday, the 11th of December 2022, in Galveston, Texas. She was 99 years of age.

She was a devoted daughter, sister, aunt, wife, stepmother, grandmother and friend. She grew up on the family farm. After graduating high school as valedictorian, she worked as a telephone operator. In 1942, she moved to Galveston and worked at the Model Laundry & Dye Works as their secretary. After a year, she returned to Timpson and worked for an attorney during the oil boom industry in Carthage, Texas.

In 1945, she married Clarence W. Burton, whom she met while working at the Model Laundry and Dye Works. After marrying, she began her career in Houston as a legal secretary. In 1946, she began working for Attorney Sam W. Levy and later his son, Lawrence I. Levy. She not only worked for the Levy’s for 43 years, she was part of their family. During her years, she was able to travel. Her most meaningful trip was to the Holy Land. She said many times, she couldn’t believe she walked where Jesus walked. She was a woman of faith and was very grateful for her life. She was a dog lover, raising and treating each of her dogs like humans. As an avid gardener, each spring her yard was the prettiest on the block. She was the BEST grandmother anyone could ask for. She was the most loving, caring and giving person to all. To all of us grandchildren and bonus grandchildren we called her Bill, Grandma Bill and Grannie B.

She is preceded in by death by both parents; her brothers Vernon, Jack, Ernest and Royce L. “Boots” Harris; her husband Clarence W. Burton; her step-daughter Dorothy J. Perez; and great-grandson Joseph R. Mellen, Jr.

She is survived by her son-in-law Frank L. Perez Sr.; her grandchildren, Bonnie J. Mellen, Carol A. Borne, Nancy L. Valdez and her husband Pete, Frank L. Perez II and his wife Marian, Sandra L. Glenney, Marianne Fullen and her husband Mike; and ten great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her special friend of 50+ years, Vicki L. Thompson and her husband Butch; and their sons whom she considered her family as well; special friend Michelle Calbridge; her nieces, Faye Spin, Sylvia Martin, Linda Jett and Johnnie Katherine Wofford; nephew Regie Harris; and many great and great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

An interment service is to be conducted at ten o’clock in the morning on Friday, the 16th of December, at San Jacinto Memorial Park, 14659 East Freeway in Houston, where Chaplain Mark Flores will officiate.

Honored to serve as pallbearers during the services are Frank L. Perez II, William Sendejas Jr., Randy Mellen, Pete Valdez Jr., Larry Perez, Mehran “Bubba” Jadidi, Michael and Steven Fullen. Serving as honorary pallbearers are Gina Perez Lee, Lauren Jadidi Quinn, Charley, Kevin, Eric and Justin Thompson.

The family extends special thanks to the UTMB Geriatric Team, Traditions Health Hospice and the entire staff at the Meridian, Skilled Nursing Facility for their care, love and support over the past five and half years and during this difficult time.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in her name be directed to Purple Heart Service, 6116 Milwee St, Houston, TX 77092; to Galveston Island Humane Society, 6814 Broadway St., Galveston, TX 77554; or to the charity of one’s choice. (Links for direct access to donations pages located in below.)

Our grandmother was truly loved and will be missed always.

“Hey Bill, I’m here. Love, Teenie”

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