Gaye Burton, 79, of Virginia Beach, died peacefully at her home on November 6, 2017.

Born in Madison, NC, to Thomas A. and Ruth Ragsdale Burton, Gaye was a graduate of Madison High School and Guilford College. She spent her 34-year teaching career in the Virginia Beach School System, and was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma.

A long-time member of Virginia Beach United Methodist Church, she was active in Sunday school, created many beautiful flower arrangements for Sunday services and other occasions, and served as the church’s wedding director for a number of years.

Gaye was a member and past president of the Cavalier Garden Club. This offered her many opportunities to indulge in one of her favorite hobbies of flower arranging, winning many ribbons for her efforts.

Gaye will be missed greatly by many friends from all aspects of her life – church, bridge clubs, garden club, and many dog owners at the north end of the beach. She will especially be missed by her 75th Street family that loved her greatly.

In addition to her parents, Gaye was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Bill Collins; nephew, Tom Collins; and niece, Catherine Merritt. She is survived by her sister, Ruth Burton Collins, of Stoneville, NC; twin sister, Kaye Burton Merritt, of Madison, NC; niece, Flavel Collins, of Madison, NC; nephews William Merritt (Lisa) of Waxhaw, NC and Rev Butler (Catherine) of Sugar Hill, GA; great-nephews Jackson Merritt and Trevor Butler; great-niece, Caroline Butler; and her faithful, furry companions, Madison and Pumpkin.

Special thanks is given to Westmister-Canterbury Hospice, Seniorcorp, and Sydney Brooks, for their compassionate care given to Gaye during her brief illness.

Per Gaye’s wishes, there will be no formal service held. Memorials may be made to Virginia Beach SPCA, 3040 Holland Rd., Virginia Beach, VA, 23453