County of park: Carroll County
Location of park: City Hall Avenue & Rome St., SE corner, Carrollton
Created: 2010
Text of Sign:
THIS PARK IS DEDICATED
IN LOVING MEMORY TO
CAROLE SHEATS BURSON
1938-2009
Carole Burson was an exemplary daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, church leader, business leader, community supporter and a friend to all. She played an integral role in the development of Downtown Carrollton and her kind words and good deeds will not be forgotten.
Carole Elizabeth Sheats Burson:
"Carole Sheats Burson, 71, passed away peacefully in the presence of her family, May 19, 2009 after a courageous battle with pulmonary disease.
She is survived by her husband, Joseph Ronald Burson, son Lee Russell Burson, both of Carrollton, son Dr. James G. Burson, of Newnan, and daughter Elizabeth Alice Persichetti of Atlanta.
Carole loved her son-and daughter-in-law, John A. Persichetti and Karen S. Burson, as her own and was able to spend many wonderful moments with all of them over the years. Affectionately known as “Grammy,” Carole will be missed by her five grandchildren Bradley, Graham, and Betsy Burson, and Ansley and John Nathan Persichetti. Mrs. Burson was born March 13, 1938 in Temple, GA, and was always proud of her Temple roots.
In 1950, she moved to Carrollton, GA and became a devoted church member at Tabernacle Baptist Church where she was a member for over 58 years. She was actively involved in the music program, singing in the adult choir, teaching children’s Sunday school, and working with the children’s choir as well. Until her illness progressed, Carole could say that she had sung in the choir under every Minister of Music.
Mrs. Burson graduated from Carrollton High School. She earned a degree in elementary education at West Georgia College in 1960, and following that she taught in Cobb County and then in Carrollton City Schools. Carole subsequently married her childhood sweetheart, Ronald, in 1960, and began to work at Ronald’s family business, Burson Feed & Seed. During her 39 years there, she was privileged to work with her father-in-law and her mother-in-law, John Henry Burson, Jr. and Jewell Miles Burson, as well as the many long-term employees and customers whom she considered just as special. Her customers came from far and wide to benefit from her extensive knowledge of gardening and planting. Carole loved the store and her customers. As Carrollton changed from a farming community to a lawn and garden community, she also helped diversify the store to carry unique items that customers could say that they could only find at Burson’s. Mrs. Burson adored her extended family as well.
She enjoyed the many family celebrations over the years, always providing a dish of home-grown vegetables or a batch of her favorite homemade ice cream. Her husband said, “Carole was a very smart person who loved people. Her love flowed to others because above all things she loved the Lord.”
She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas Gerald Sheats, Sr. and Carolyn Louise Martin Sheats, brother, Thomas Gerald Sheats, Jr. (Sonny), and her firstborn son Joseph Ronald Burson, Jr. (Joe). Funeral services will be conducted Friday, May 22, 2009 at 2:00PM at Tabernacle Baptist Church with Dr. Jimmy Gentry and Dr. J. Howard Cobble officiating. Interment will follow in the Carrollton City Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Church on Friday from 1:00PM until the funeral hour. Funeral arrangements will be shared by Martin and Hightower and Almon Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to the National Jewish Research Hospital, Tanner Hospice, or the Tabernacle Baptist Church Journey in Faith Fund." ~ Carrollton Tribune