Mary Joan Burton passed away August 9, 2022 at her home in Ellisville, MS at the age of 88.  She was born May 21, 1934 in Moorhead, MS to W.R. and Bessie Bruce.

After graduating from Leflore County High School in Itta Bena, MS she worked at JCPenney's.  She married her husband Prentiss Barlene Burton on December 28, 1955.  She lived in Florida, Texas and Colorado while traveling with the military before coming home to Mississippi.  Joan was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.  She enjoyed reading, cross stitching, crocheting and her stretching class at the Wellness Center.

She is preceded in death by her parents W.R and Bessie Bruce, sister Jean Upchurch and brother Bobby Bruce.

Survivors include her husband of 66 years Prentiss Barlene Burton, son Greg Burton (Toni) of San Antonio, TX; daughter Terri Heath (Tom) of Olive Branch, MS; grandchildren Greg Burton, Victoria Hansen, Joneece Burton, Alex Heath (Lily) and Elijah Burton; sisters Carolyn Fondren Higginbotham, Beverly Hackleman (Sammy) and Gail McGlawn (Henry); and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Comfort Care Hospice for caring for Joan during the last few months.

Visitation will be Friday, August 12 from 1:00 – 2:00 pm with a memorial service at 2:00 at Memory Chapel in Laurel, MS.  Joan will be taken to Wilson & Knight Funeral Home in Greenwood, MS where the family will have visitation from 12:00 – 2:00 pm Saturday, August 13 followed by at memorial service at 2:00 pm.  Interment will follow at Itta Bena Cemetery in Itta Bena, MS.

In lieu of flowers donations to Children's Hospital of Mississippi or St. Jude Children's Hospital are welcomed.