Mrs. Joyce G. Burton-Cornish, 81, of Seaford, Del., formerly of the Shore, departed this life Saturday, Aug. 20, 2022, at her residence.
Born on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, Joyce was the second child born to James III and Drucilla B. Burton.
Educated at Burton’s School and Mary N. Smith High School, Joyce became a talented typist and this led to an impressive career as a secretary and administrative assistant. She was employed by the Talbot County Public School system for over 30 years, to which she brought her experiences working for a state government office and various corporate companies throughout the 1960s and 1970s.
Continuing in her love of the Lord and dedication to the church, in 1958 Joyce married a young pastor to become the first lady of several congregations within the United Methodist Church’s Eastern Shore conference.
In 1992, Joyce married James “Jimmy” Cornish, and at the time of her passing they were just a few months away from their 30th wedding anniversary.
Funeral services were held Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022, at the chapel of Cooper & Humbles Funeral Co., Accomac, with Brother Lawrence G. Burton Sr. officiating. Interment was in the Burton Cemetery, Accomac.
To mourn her passing, Joyce leaves her husband, Jimmy Cornish; sons, Frank W. Robinson Jr., Lawrence Craig Robinson, and Gerald Clifton Robinson Sr.; her daughter, Gwenette Robinson Murrell; sister, Reneta Burton Rogers; her brothers, James W. Burton IV and Lawrence G. Burton Sr.; sister-in-law, Sarah “Jean” Ford; 14 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, friends, and caregivers.
Arrangements are by the Cooper & Humbles Funeral Co., Accomac.
