Hometown: My dad was in the service, and we moved around until he retired. We settled in Arlington, where I graduated high school.
Present City: Plano
Profession: Administrative assistant
Tell us about your family.
I met David Burton at my home church in Arlington in 1981. We married and moved to Garland in 1982. Our two adult sons, Andrew (Doo) and Josh, grew up at Wilshire.
How about your work or volunteer life?
I began working at First Baptist Church in Garland in 1982. In 1997 I came to Wilshire as education and missions assistant. I became George Mason’s assistant in 1999 (don’t ya know). In 2024 I went part-time and became the administrative assistant for Pathways to Ministry.
Any favorite hobbies?
Reading, baseball, jigsaw puzzles and games. Last year David and I moved to a 55+ community, and we’re both active there, playing pickleball and participating in social and exercise activities. I am the game coordinator for the Friday and Sunday afternoon game times.
What are your favorite places to travel?
My favorite trip so far is an Alaskan cruise. God knew what he was up to when he made Alaska! On my bucket list were to travel by train and to visit the Grand Canyon. We checked both of those off in 2023. Now, how do I get to Hawaii?
Where are you engaged at Wilshire?
I attend Foundations of Faith Class and lead the WOW Tuesday Evening Book Club.
What has surprised you most about Wilshire?
I had an amazing mentor at First Baptist Garland who taught me about church work. I brought those skills to Wilshire. Evidently my skills and love for the work has served me well. Wilshire has kept me on staff for 28 years!
Tell us about your faith journey.
I was baptized by Daniel Vestal at age 12 and was active in church from then on. I grew up Southern Baptist, married a Southern Baptist preacher’s kid and work in a Baptist church. All I know is church. Along the way I found my spiritual gift: prayer. I love praying for people, and at the same time my own faith is strengthened. Call on me if you need a prayer warrior.
What is something interesting most people would not know about you?
My dad was a security guard at Rangers Stadium in the ’70s. I would go with him to watch batting practice and stay late to wave goodbye to the players. I still have a special place in my heart for baseball and the Rangers.
What adjectives best describe you?
Dedicated and caring. As an Enneagram 2, I love everyone else but myself. Ironically, my star word this year is “self-love.” Right now, I love myself enough to share this bio!