Charlotte Faye Peterson Burton

Charlotte Faye Peterson Burton, 79, began eternity on December 14, 2017. She was born on May 14, 1938 on Canaan Hollow Road in Erwin, TN as the youngest of eight children of Dove and Rettia Peterson. Six of her siblings have preceded her in death. She is survived by one son, Greg Burton (Theresa) of Kingsport, TN; three grandchildren: Adam Burton (Jessica) of Louisville, KY, Andrew Burton of El Paso, TX and Ashley Byrd (Derrick) of Johnson City, TN; three great-grandchildren: Reagan Lee, Riley Elizabeth and Uion Gregory; one sister, Jackie Hill of Elizabethton, TN and several nephews and nieces. Charlotte was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 52 years, Thelbert "Bert" Uion Burton.

Charlotte spent her early years in Erwin before moving to Gap Creek Road in Elizabethton upon the death of her mother. From there she moved to Pontiac, IL to live with family. It was there she met Bert at a company picnic. They married on May 18, 1957 and moved to Geneseo, IL where Greg was born a year later. There was one more move to Iowa before they located in Louisville. Bert said, "No child should be raised up North if you can help it!" She would eventually become a fully-licensed insurance agent with the Bill Barlow Agency in the Fern Creek community of Louisville.

While Charlotte became a believer in Christ at an early age, she renewed her faith with passion in her middle years. Wherever she lived her spirit of encouragement permeated her presence. Several churches over the years were their spiritual homes. At her passing she was a member of Colonial Heights Baptist Church of Kingsport, where her son is the senior pastor. Her assigned deacons were wonderfully faithful in caring for her. In her later years she enjoyed the sweet fellowship of Hunter Memorial Baptist Church and their pastor, Rev. Doug Hartley.

Charlotte devoted herself to a legacy of encouraging her family and friends. Those who truly knew her were better for it. In her later years her focus on prayer and devotion grew. She found great joy in memorizing scripture. Exchanging cards with friends was such a pleasure. Those who wrote her will never know how much that meant. The family is greatly appreciative to the friends and churches that have blessed her over the years. Rev. Ron Owens was a refreshing friend at Indian Path Medical Center, which gave excellent care, along with NHC and Debbie Hubbard. We are grateful to the kindness of Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home and others in caring for us. A few years ago Charlotte accidentally received a letter from her church asking if she had interest in helping retire the debt on our Family Life Center. Greg explained the letter was not really for her but she insisted on donating generously each month for four years. In that spirit, those wishing to honor Charlotte may, in lieu of flowers, give any donation to the FLC Fund at Colonial Heights Baptist Church. To God be the glory.

Services for Charlotte will be in Kingsport this Sunday, December 17, at Colonial Heights Baptist Church. Visitation is from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. with a memorial service to follow. Services in Columbia, KY are on December 29 at Bearwallow United Methodist Church. Visitation will be from 1:00 to 2:00 with a memorial service and burial in Haven Hill Cemetery to follow. Charlotte's son, Greg, will be the officiant with her grandchildren also participating.