Verlynn May Burton was born on July 30, 1941 in St. Paul, Minnesota to James LaVere McManaman and Georgena Helena Wolters.  She was the youngest of four children and grew up on an 80-acre farm in Hartman, Arkansas.  She was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran Church.  She often spent summers in St. Paul, Minnesota with her Aunt May.  She graduated Valedictorian from Hartman High School in Hartman, Arkansas and was a member of the Hartman 4-H Club for three years, secretary of the Johnson County Roundup Club, member of the Glee Club, the basketball team and the paper staff.  In high school, she held the offices of secretary-treasurer, reporter and vice-president.  She was in many rodeos and participated in barrel racing.  She graduated from the College of the Ozarks in Clarksville, Arkansas.  She majored in Social Science.  She was in the Little Theater.  She was the secretary for the College Players and a member of the Acapella Choir and Opera Workshop, as well as being in Alpha Chi Honor Society.  She received the B. Frank White Memorial Award, the T.T.T. Award and the Robert Carlisle Memorial Award.

After graduation, she worked briefly in Conway, Arkansas as a teacher.  She received a Fulbright Scholarship to teach but decided to get married.  She also worked for Choice for Tulsa.

She married and had four children.  She raised four children by herself, working two jobs, Assistant Manager at Catoosa Fertilizer at the Port of Catoosa during the day and a medical transcriptionist at night.  Her children never wanted for anything, whether it be love, understanding or the basic necessities of life.  She worked hard her whole life and had her children in school and church every Sunday.  She spent the last years of her life taking care of her grandson, James Vale Burton, II and loved him so very much.

Verlynn is survived by four children, Elissa May Burton Young Foster Barrett, Maxie Don Burton II, Loy LaVere Burton and James Vale Burton.  She is survived by many grandchildren including James Vale Burton, II and Heather, Tycie, Alec, Daniel, Jacob, Marcie, Kaitlyn, Jesse, Joseph and Danika.  She is also survived by a sister, Elene M. Fair and brother, James McManaman.  She is survived by many nieces and nephews including Gena L. Fair and Michael, Sharon and Patrick.  She also is survived by great-grandchildren.  She loved her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.