In Loving Memory of Debbie Burton, 1952 - 2000

In This Issue:

Optimistic, caring, deeply religious, knowledgeable of politics, happy, intelligent—all of these describe a wonderful young woman. This is Debbie Burton, a.k.a. "Miss Inspiration" to all who have had the privilege of knowing her.

Debbie Burton, born on September 29, 1952, was a very ill "blue baby", but her family did not know until weeks later that this newborn had a problem. Nor did they know that she was expected to live but a short time. As mothers do, Doris Burton soon recognized symptoms that she didn’t want to face. This baby had unusual facial characteristics; she did not react to sights and sounds, as did other infants; she displayed little or no physical activity. Then a visit to the pediatrician confirmed Doris’s worst fears: the doctor had known from the beginning that Debbie had Down’s syndrome. He had not told the parents this when Debbie was born, thinking he would save them grief and thinking that the baby would not live very long.

When Doris gave her husband, Felton Burton, this diagnosis, he was — needless to say — devastated. However, devastated as both were, they never considered placing their child in an institution, as was usually the custom and as they were advised to do. Instead, they accepted her as their own, gave her tender loving care, and treated her as they did the other children, who knew Debbie only as their beloved sister. As she began to grow and achieved some mobility, she joined in activities with her sister and brothers, amazing to all who knew her. One of five children, Debbie wanted to do everything they did, an early sign of the determination she would always demonstrate.

She played football with her siblings and always accompanied her family on vacation. She went to the beach with her family and learned to like the water. She went with them to Disney World and participated in whatever her brothers and sister did.

Never timid or intimidated, Debbie was aggressive and assertive and didn’t realize that she was any different from other children. She was also disciplined as the other children were.

For example, she had occasional tantrums, wanting to have her way (as children often do) but soon learned that such action would not be tolerated in her family.

Debbie was never sheltered because of her condition but was encouraged to do all she could. It was amazing how she developed a strong devotion to her church at an early age and never wanted to miss attending with her family. When she was four or five, she attended Vacation Bible School with her sister and brother, where they all accepted Christ and wanted to be baptized. At her parents’ request, the pastor said that he would talk to Debbie privately to be certain she understood. After their conversation, the pastor said, "There is no question in my mind that Debbie knows exactly what this is all about, and I will, indeed, baptize her." Without a doubt, that same faith has helped her to make such progress and has helped to strengthen the family unit.

To the astonishment of the doctors who cared for Debbie—and they were numerous—she grew to school age and the Burtons faced another obstacle. She was allowed to enter a public school but, after a few days, school personnel said she was too disruptive in class and could no longer remain in school. A homebound teacher worked with the six-year-old but, while Debbie began to learn the "three R’s," she had no opportunity to learn socially.

Because of their determination to help their child and others in similar situations, Felton Burton, always supported by his wife, developed a series of programs for the mentally challenged, a series culminating in what is now known as Emerald Center in Greenwood, South Carolina, where the family resides. The Center today serves over 800 people with disabilities and special needs in Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, McCormick, and Saluda counties.

Debbie has had numerous experiences that she describes as "wonderful’. Through his early successful career as Supervisor of License Examiners for the State Department of Highways and Public Transportation’s District Two, Felton Burton had made numerous friends in political circles in the state, and Debbie developed a lasting interest in politics. A visit to the South Carolina State Legislature gave her the opportunity to meet and visit with then-Governor Carroll Campbell, Lieutenant Governor Nick Theodore, several members of the General Assembly whom she knew and admired, among them Senator John Drummond, Representative Marion Carnell, Senator Verne Smith, and Senator Billy O’Dell. Burton later made the comment that Debbie had shaken more hands and "worked the crowd" better than he did on that visit. Debbie described it as one of the most exciting things she has ever done.

Knowing the interest Debbie has shown in the Kennedy family at an early age, Senator Drummond and Representative Carnell made contact with Senator Ted Kennedy through Senator Ernest Hollings. They told the senator of Debbie’s infatuation with his family and that she knew of his sister, Rose Marie, with disabilities. She also knew the Kennedy family had played a role in establishing Special Olympics. They told the Senator, too, of Debbie’s extensive collection of material on his family, which includes more than a hundred videotapes and books about them. Then, in July 2000, Debbie received a surprise package from Senator Kennedy that contained a personal letter and autographed picture of him. Debbie’s reaction? She said, "It’s like a dream come true!" and immediately wrote a thank you note that said the Kennedy’s are like her own family.

Those who know her well believe that, under other circumstances, she might have become a leading political leader. And, as successful political leaders do, she wields a strong influence in the lives she touches.

As it is, Debbie has been the catalyst for more important things. Because of her, hundreds of mentally challenged children have opportunities never before available to them. Through their love for her and in their efforts to protect and encourage their daughter, the Burtons have made extraordinary strides in serving people like her. But Felton and Doris are modest people, who have earned the highest respect and admiration of thousands. They are quick to disclaim personal credit for what has been accomplished and give that credit, instead, to God and to the residents of the broad communities their work has served and will continue to serve.

As for Debbie, those who know her love her. She has won a place in the hearts of her family and friends and even among strangers. She will long be remembered for the manner in which she "beat all the odds" to become a happy, well-rounded leader among her own.

Ten children graduated from Emerald Center’s Developmental Learning Center on July 27 and are now attending public school. The center provides services for children ages birth to three. They received individual training in eye, hand, and finger coordination skills; comprehension and language skills; and self-help skills, as well as social interaction.

1^st row: Jameccia "Me Me" Lomax, Malikka Nance, Simone Seigle, Malik Nance; 2^nd row: Jaron Fuller, Eeshawn Lee, Jamaal Lewis, and Darius Edge. Not pictured: Tyric Wiggins and Cody Brownlee

Emma Gaskin has been promoted to the Director of Greenwood Day Program. Emma began her employment with Emerald Center in 1989 as a Teacher and has served as Program Coordinator for the Greenwood Day Program since 1992. A graduate of Lander University with a BS degree in Sociology, Emma resides in Greenwood.

Sonja Irvin has been promoted to Coordinator of Operational Services for the Greenwood Operations and will also serve as Assistant to the Greenwood Operations Manager. She holds a BS degree in Business Administration, with a minor in Marketing and Management, from Lander University. Sonja began her employment with Emerald Center as a Respite Sitter in 1988. She has served as Teacher, Assistant Program Coordinator, Program Coordinator and as Director of Greenwood Day Program since 1993. She resides in Greenwood with her son, Quentin, and they are members of the Macedonia Baptist Church.

Stan Turner has been promoted to Operations Manager for the Ware Shoals Operations. Stan began his employment with Emerald Center in 1995 and has served as a QMRP/Supervisor. He is a graduate of Lander University with a BS degree in Psychology and is a Licensed Social Worker. He and his wife, Anne, have two children, Leslie and Brandon. They reside in Greenwood and are members of the Aldersgate Methodist Church.

January

February

Jim & Peggy McQuown Honored at Home Dedication

The Emerald Center Multi-County Board for Disabilities and Special Needs dedicated and named a community residence in their honor. The dedication ceremony took place at the First Presbyterian Church followed by the ribbon cutting at the residence located on Kenilworth Drive.

"Nearly fifty years ago, the community of Greenwood was blessed by the arrival of Dr. and Mrs. James Allan McQuown. While raising a wonderful family of eight children, Jim and Peggy have enriched our community through their service and dedication and have become an inspiration to us all," stated J. Felton Burton, Executive Director of Emerald Center. "This ceremony is only a small tribute to a couple who have faithfully served not only their community and church, but have championed the cause of people with disabilities and special needs throughout South Carolina."

Also, offering remarks were Senator John Drummond and Mayor Floyd Nicholson . The Reverend Dr. John Wall, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, gave the invocation and prayer of dedication. John Mark McQuown, the youngest of the McQuown children, sang "Wind Beneath By Wings" as a tribute to his parents.

Dr. and Mrs. McQuown’s children unveiled the dedicatory plaque and portrait that will hang in the residence. Dr. James Allan McQuown, Jr. spoke in response for his parents. John Mark closed the ceremony by singing "Bless This House".

A Sunday afternoon in 1957

Debbie competing in the 1980 Special Olympics

Visiting with Governor Carroll Campbell
at the State House

Debbie with her parents at the
1st Emerald Center Prom

.
Family vacation at Disney World in 1984

Debbie and John Mark McQuown at the Prom

Debbie & Miss South Carolina 1998,
Wendy Smith, at the Fall Dance

Spending time with her good friend
Paul Brown of WYFF News 4