Donna Burton

Donna Burton, of Salem, Virginia passed away on June 17, 2024 at the age of 73. Donna was born in Fort Worth Texas on December 25, 1950 to Jack and Jean Samuelson.

Donna dedicated her life to serving others. She began her career in education by serving in the Teacher Core while she worked toward earning her Bachelor’s degree from Norfolk State University. Donna went on to teach for 33 years, teaching at the elementary, middle, and high school levels as well as adjunct college over the course of her career. While Donna taught numerous subjects, she especially loved teaching Reading, English, Literature, Newspaper, and Drama classes. Donna also held a Masters in Communications from the University of Central Florida.

A member of the Baha’i Faith, Donna was very active in the Baha’i Community. Donna was always looking for a way to serve the Cause of God and seeking ways to work towards the betterment of mankind. Over the course of her life she pioneered to the British Virgin Islands to share the Baha’i message. While in the Virgin Islands, Donna served on the National Spiritual Assembly of the Virgin Islands. While living in Virginia, Donna served as cluster institute coordinator for the Roanoke cluster. Donna also facilitated courses for the Ruhi training institute. Donna especially loved leading children’s class as a part of community outreach.

Donna enjoyed multiple artistic pursuits. She could often be found writing in her composition books or editing her latest poem. Donna’s writing has been published in literary journals.  An artist from a young age, Donna also spent a great deal of time creating beautiful drawings and paintings. Donna had a special love for nature and would spend hours tending her garden.

Donna is preceded in death by her mother Jean Samuelson and her father Jack Samuelson. Donna is survived by her daughter, Yvonne (Chris Creed) Mortensen-Creed; brother, Ken (Sandy) Samuelson; brother, Fred (Liz Kregloe) Samuelson; and grandson, Camden Creed.

A memorial service will be held for Donna at Lotz Funeral Home in Salem on Friday, June 21st at 2pm. After the service family and friends will progress to Forest Rest Cemetery for the reciting of the prayer for the departed and to lay our dear Donna to rest.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider a donation to Heifer International a favorite charity of Donna’s, or the American Cancer Society