Wamelia Irene Burton

Wamelia Irene Burton, born September 29,1973 in Springfield, MA to the late James E. Milner
Sr. and Luvenia Milner, transitioned from this life to eternal life on Monday, September 19, 2022.
Affectionately known as “Irene”, she was a gifted singer, drummer and percussionist, who
developed a passion and deep love for music at the early age of 6 years old. In 1990, she
assumed the leadership role for the gospel group, “Golden Girls”, which she later renamed
“Golden Angels” to reflect their maturation into young women. Irene’s gift made room for her to
grace the stage as a background vocalist for gospel artists such as LaShun Pace and Karen
Clark Sheard. She was known for her sound, creativity, devotion to God, his church and his
people.
On November 26, 1994, Irene married her “forever love”, Stephen L. Burton from Springfield,
MA, with whom she shared 27 years and 10 months of marriage. In addition to loving her
husband, Irene birthed and cherished her 3 heartbeats: Anthony, Andre, and Armaan. In 1999,
while raising their boys, Stephen and Irene were called to pastor Abiding Love Full Gospel
Church. First Lady Burton preached, taught, and assisted her husband in nurturing the people of
God. In 2006, the Burton family relocated to Charlotte, NC, where Irene developed a deeper
love and passion for cooking. Having previously attended Central High School in Springfield,
MA, Irene enrolled in Johnson and Wales University where she cultivated her skills in the
Culinary Arts. Simultaneously, her love for music and singing continued to open doors for her.
She sang with several groups including “Sierra Janelle and Company” and “4GWL”, where she
was featured on a track called “Worthy”.
In addition to Irene’s love for God, family, singing, and cooking, she was a comedian. She lived
in the moment and was “the calm” to everyone's storm. Her laugh was contagious, her smile,
infectious. She could brighten any room just by walking into it. Whenever she hugged you, you
immediately felt protected. One conversation with “Rene” would have you looking at yourself,
your situation, and future in a different light.
Predeceased by her father James E. Milner Sr and her sister Lenora Denise (Niecey) Rose,
Irene leaves to cherish her memory, her husband: Stephen L. Burton. Her loving sons: Anthony
L. Burton, Andre L. Burton, and Armaan L. Burton. Her beloved mother: Luvenia Milner. Her
sisters: Tammy Milner, Doreen (Christopher) Edwards, and April S. Milner. Her brothers: Tony
(Terri) Milner, Courtney Milner, James (Shytoya) Milner, and Cory Milner. Her godbrothers:
David (Melissa) Bass and Cordell (Helen) Daniels; and a host of nieces, nephews, loving aunts,
uncles, cousins and friends.
Rene, Snooda, Mommy, Melia Cat, Beenie, Punkin, not a day will go by without us
remembering your spirit and your love. We love you always and forever. Rest peacefully until
we meet again.