Isabel D. Burton

Isabelle Davies Stange Keeling Burton, formerly of Gadsden, passed away Thursday, Oct. 10, 2013, in Marietta, Ga., after a wonderfully full life of more than 100 years. When asked by her doctor what her secret to longevity was, Isabelle replied, "You'll have to read my book. I'm not giving my secrets away for free!!"

As per her wishes, Izzy will be buried in Birmingham at Elmwood cemetery alongside her late husbands, Richard Henry Stange and Charles Leonard Burton; her parents; and many of her eight brothers and sisters and their spouses. An invitation-only graveside service will be held with her son-in-law, Paul Scopel, officiating.

Izzy was born in Allison, Pa., to Jennie McCracken Davies and Benjamin Harold Davies Sr. on April 29, 1913. She moved with her family to Birmingham after high school. She attended Howard College (Samford University), where she was Homecoming Queen and a member of Beta Sigma Omega sorority. She taught school in Birmingham. She moved to Gadsden in 1948, where she played bridge and achieved national recognition as a Master in Duplicate Bridge. She belonged to several duplicate clubs and regular bridge clubs, where she made many wonderful friends and spent many happy hours with them. She played bridge until she was 96. She also played golf at the Gadsden Country Club and the Republic Steel Golf Club. She won several trophies in tournament play. She was active in the Red Cross, the Antiquarian Society, the Autumnal Dance Club and as a Pink Lady at the Baptist hospital. She was an avid Republican and attended several national conventions. She was a member of First Baptist Church, Gadsden, where she served as a Women's Circle leader and GA leader. When she moved to Marietta in 2010, she joined Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, where she was the church's first centenarian.

Izzy was present at several memorable events. She was in the Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium when Hank Aaron hit his 719th home run and broke the then-current home run record. She was at the Atlanta World Congress Center when the American women won the gold medal in gymnastics at the 1996 Olympics. Now she is at the feet of Jesus waiting to join Him in His glorious return to rule the earth.

She is survived by her daughter, Eda Lynne Stange Scopel, and her son-in-law, Paul Anthony Scopel, of Marietta; her granddaughter, Sarah Alyce Scopel Richardson and her husband, Kerry, of Morrison, Colo.; her stepson, Michael Davies Burton and his wife, Jesse, of Buchannan, Va.; and her daughters-in-law, Janet Porter Stange of Birmingham and Audrey Bailey Burton of Ashburn, Va.

Isabelle is also survived by her great-grandson, Rustyk Anthony Richardson; and her step-grandchildren: Heather Burton-Zalar, Leesburg, Va., Allison Burton Mull and her husband, Benjamin, of San Jose, Calif., Shenan Burton Lovern, and her husband, Jason, of Vinton, Va., Richard Adam Burton and his wife, Adrienne, of Reston, Va., Brandon Bailey Burton and his wife, Alison, of Ashburn, Va., Matthew Stewart Burton, and his wife, Heather, of Bumpass, Va.

She is also survived by 10 step-great-grandchildren: Alexandra Virginia and Richard Logan Mull, and Kaitlyn Marie, Andrew Nicholas and Jackson Leonard Zalar, Mia Evangeline Burton, Ashlynn Faith Lovern, Avery Carol Burton, Jacob Tyler Burton and Silas Richard Burton.

She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Martha Battle Davies of Birmingham, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Isabelle Burton was preceded in death by her first husband, Richard H. Stange; her son, Ben H. Stange; her second husband, R.E. Keeling; her third husband, Charles Leonard Burton; and her stepson, Richard Leonard Burton.

Many thanks to Betty Blount, Gadsden, for her friendship and loving care for Miss Izzy and Mr. Leonard. Also thanks to Velma, Verona and Nancy, all of Marietta, for their loving care of Izzy in her last years.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to First Baptist Church, 235 S. Fifth St., Gadsden, AL 35901; or Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, 955 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta, GA 30068.

Izzy gave herself freely with a quiet kindness.

Izzy walked in the grace of God with a gentleness that made those around her feel loved and valued.

Izzy taught and led by example.

Izzy did more than asked, gave more than needed.

Izzy was all God called her to be with a sweet spirit.

Family and friends will miss her greatly!