College Dedicates Room to Billie Jean and John Burton
8/12/08

On May 27, 2008, Panola College received a very generous gift from Mr. John Burton. Given in memory of his wife, Billie Jean, the funds were applied to the general scholarship fund and will be used to provide financial assistance to students hoping to attend Panola College.

To recognize the gift, Mr. Van Patterson, Director of Institutional Advancement proposed renaming the College’s history classroom to honor the Burtons. Dr. Gregory Powell, President of Panola College, and the Board of Trustees agreed and at their last Board meeting voted to rename room A-104 in the administration building the “John and Billie Jean Burton Classroom.”    

 A plaque was recently affixed to the entrance to room A-104 that reads, “This classroom is dedicated to John and Billie Jean Burton. The Burtons were married on September 6, 1947. During their 54 years of marriage they raised a family, traveled extensively, and touched the lives of many in our community. John worked for the Sun Energy Company for 32 years in areas that varied from drilling to production. Billie Jean loved learning, especially history, and dedicated 42 years to teaching 5^th and 6^th grade students. The Burtons’ generosity is only exceeded by the kindness they have shown to others.”