Jerome Burton

Rev. Pastor Jerome Burton, aged 66, was ushered into the presence of Yahweh God and his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on July 6, 2023 after 42 days of being on a ventilator due to Fibrosis Lung Disease, and Pneumonia. Jerome was born in Selma, Alabama to Mack and Helen (Grimes) Burton on June 8th, 1957. He married Kristin Hinkle in May of 2006 in Grand Rapids, MI. Jerome was ordained in the Christian Reformed Church and served as the Pastor at Coit Community Christian Reformed Church for nearly 30 years during which time he also attended Reformed Bible College and Calvin Seminary. Jerome was an avid reader; anything related to the bible, Christianity and a serious history buff and he read every edition of the Banner. Jerome was an avid sports fan of all sports, but the NBA and Track were his first loves. He was infamous for being a literal walking bible, able to quote scripture chapter and verse like you quote your address. He and Kristin enjoyed fishing, bike riding, watching their grandson TJ play sports, and working in the yard. He was also a connoisseur of local thrift stores, and he had his favorites. All his clothes besides his hats came from thrift stores and he was one sharp dressed man. If you knew Jerome, you know that he was a humble man; he would speak truth and he could be very direct and to the point, but it was never to hurt or shame someone, he just stayed on point! He was an intellect, but when sitting around the table with other great thinkers, he would listen and even ask questions as to be inquiring about something he was already very well versed in, but he wanted to hear what others thought. He never wanted to be center of attention and would always give others the credit that was so obviously his. He never wanted recognition for Pastor Appreciation, or any other celebration, he just wanted to serve and watch others be blessed, he was that way in our marriage too... He was skilled at building and remodeling, so there's nothing inside or out of Coit Church that hasn't been touched by his hands. Jerome loved talking to people, anyone, no one was ever a bother or a stranger to him, and if you were an attender of the church, he would find your strength and not just encourage you, but show you how to get started be it serving as a deacon, starting a ministry, or going to seminary, he was the Shepard that prodded his sheep towards stretching and growing. He was deeply involved in many ministries, and boards, and his commitment level to anything he was a part of was extraordinary, he was the one you could always count on to show up, that's just who he was no matter what it was, he was the faithful one. He was an evangelist at heart, and for 25 years walked the Belknap neighborhood every day talking to and praying with people. During those years he also helped families in the community with housing, home repairs, jobs, food, furniture and so much more. He was a volunteer at Coit Academy of Arts School for 25 years as a tutor and playground monitor. He knew every child by name and many of their parents who had also attended Coit School. He was called on by teachers and principals to help with kiddos and or pray with parents, and was an advocate of getting supplies for all the teachers in their classrooms, and for years had an agreement with Coit Academy of Arts to use their gym once a week to bring young men from the neighborhood in to play basketball. He would also have local Christian professors, surgeons and construction owners come in before they could play Bball, to talk to them about education, trades, and Christ. Over the years, Jerome worked with Jack and Pat Buist who offer scholarships for Spring Hill Camp, and was instrumental in signing up over 300 kiddos, and many times drove busloads of children to camp. Jerome was also very instrumental during the reconstruction period of the church neighborhood and fought for the families that were being displaced due to GVSU moving into the neighborhood. For over a year he met with Rockford Construction (whom he got to hire local young people for construction) and met often with the president of GVSU and the City Commissioner about making some of the new housing development for "low income", and they did. Jerome spent years serving in Racial Reconciliation ministries; CORR (congregations for Racial Reconciliation) and as facilitator with Viviana Cornejo in the Race Relations office of the CRC denomination He was also a part of Pan African Christian Reformed Urban Ministers with 6 other pastors. Jerome was actively involved with Grand Rapids Classis North for years, where Jerome was a member of the Classical Missions Committee reflecting his passion for sharing Jesus. He was also a member of the Classical Interim Committee, helping organize activities for Classis: an assignment reflecting the respect of his peers as a wise leader. Jerome had a passion for discipleship so it's no surprise to those who know him that he was very present at the jails, and involved in 222 Disciple, Men's bible study, one-on-one mentorships with hundreds of young men, and couples' group in their home and counseling with his wife Kristin. Jerome also had partnerships with many ministries such as 70x7, Prisoners for Christ, Project Green, Mathew's House, Exodus, Mel Trotters and many more. Jerome had so many connections throughout the city, he was the guy who was always connecting people and resources; I think everyone knows Pastor Jerome Burton. Jerome is survived by his wife Kristin Burton, and though he never had biological children, Jerome leaves behind daughter Grace Vivita-Mauricea Martin, whom he and his first wife Vivian Burton, (deceased), helped raise from her first breath in the hospital. Jerome was Grace's Dad in every possible way. Eleven God Grandchildren KeyShawn Jeremiah King, William M. Jonathon Quinn (Julia Troung Quinn), Eric Shawaun Tardy Jr., Gabrielle Ronae Tardy, LaNiyah Andreah Maria Mena, Tyler Michael James Jr., Avion Jamel McPeak, Alejandra Perez, Teresa Perez, Amy Perez, Junior Perez, and one God Great Grandchild Ryder Dior King. Siblings God brother Ralph Sims (Georgia). Aunt Myrtle Towner. Nieces and Nephews Alexander Burton, Kelsey Burton, Talon Michael Drewel. Great Nieces & Nephews Alexander Burton Jr., Aris Burton (Alexander Burton). First Cousins Mary Blocton (Montgomery, AL), Elred Blockton(Montgomery, AL), Jeannie Blocton Bell (Stockbridge GA), Ralph Towner, Cynthia Jones, Janet Harton (Elder Paul Harton - Birmingham AL), Alphonso Jones (Gordo AL) and Richard Jr. Jones (Gordo, AL) Jerome was preceded in death by: Parents Mack and Helen Grimes Burton, Siblings Nathaniel Burton, Sharon Burton, Pamela Burton, Veronica Burton. Aunts Molly Martin, and Patsy Ruth Jones, Ida Blocton Bell. Uncles Charles Grimes (Edith), Jesse James Grimes, Joe C. Shelton (Sallie). Father in-law Ronald William Hinkle. Pastor Jerome's body will be laid to rest at a later date at the Floral View Memorial Gardens in Grandville, MI. Celebration Life Service will be held at Church of the Servant, 3835 Burton St SE, Grand Rapids, MI on Friday July 14, 2023 at 7:00 pm with light refreshments to follow. In lieu of flowers, Memorial gifts may be donated in Jerome's name to Coit Community Church (600 Lafayette NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Burial arrangements were entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Jerome Burton, please visit our flower store.