Elizabeth Barton

Elizabeth Crawford Barton

Brevard- Elizabeth Crawford Barton, 85, of Brevard died peacefully Nov. 28, 2009 at The Oaks of Brevard. She was born Dec. 15, 1923 in Jackson County to the late Charlie Emery Crawford and Vivian Owen Crawford.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by the late Charles H. Barton; two sisters, June George and Dorothy Johnson; and one brother, Blanton Crawford.

Survivors include one daughter, Gustina (Pug) Brown and husband Bob; two sons, John (Gary) Barton and Don H. Barton, all of Brevard. She is also survived by eight grandchildren: John Earl Barton and wife, Erin of Arlington, Texas; J.T. Barton of Austin, Texas; Patrick Lee Barton of Brevard; Renee Brown of Brevard; Wayne K. Brown and wife, Kim of Brevard; Matthew Barton and wife Tanya of Sapphire; Patrick C. Barton of Lake Toxaway; and Bethany Barton of Brevard. Great-grandchildren include; Kelsey Barton of Frisco, Texas; Corbin Barton of Arlington, Texas; Bobby and Tori Brown of Brevard; and Madelyn and Matthew Barton of Sapphire. In addition, she leaves many nieces, nephews and special cousins who will carry on her family legacy.

Elizabeth loved WNC and its people. She was interested in genealogy since her childhood. Throughout her life, she researched countless lineages and has written many books. Articles have been written about her in the Transylvania Times about her researches/history and awards. One such award that she was particularly honored was the "Heritage Award: for Lifetime of Devotion to the Past of Transylvania County" by the Transylvania Times - Transylvania History Forum. She was also instrumental in the Abandoned Cemetery Committee in locating lost markers from the 1700's. Her pioneering spirit has inspired many people to continue the art of finding family histories.

Music was also a huge part of Elizabeth's life. She bought her first guitar at age 10. Gospel and Bluegrass were her favorite types of music to play and sing. She would often have impromptu mini -concerts on her porch with her neighbors and family members. She also loved to go to Cathey's Creek Community Center on Saturday nights to enjoy and join in with Roy Chapman and Joe Byers and other performers in the ageless, classic Bluegrass and Gospel music.

A Celebration of Elizabeth's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 1, 2009 in the Chapel of Moore Funeral Home with Reverend Troy Stamey will officiate. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Burial will follow at Cathey's Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday evening at Moore Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested for Transylvania County Library Foundation/Transylvania Heritage Collection 2125 Gaston St., Brevard, NC 28712.

To sign Mrs. Barton's guestbook online, please go to "Obituaries" at www.moore-fh.com .
Moore Funeral Home is caring for the family.