Rachel Holmes Burton, 91, of Columbia passed away Sunday, March 9, 2025, at her residence. She was born in Adair County on October 20, 1933 to the late Lindsey and Thelma Neat Holmes. Mrs. Burton was married to Joseph Odell Burton on August 28, 1952 and he preceded her in death in 2012.
Mrs. Burton was a member of the New Hope Separate Baptist Church and was a dairy farmer. She enjoyed working on the farm, gardening, and spending time with her family and friends.
Survivors include three children, Connie Rich (David “Floyd”), Larry Burton, and Phillip Burton all of Columbia; four grandchildren, Aaron Burton (Susie), Cody Burton, Penny Brown, and Abby Burton; eight great-grandchildren, Phillip Burton, Wesley Burton, David Brown, Becca Staten (Parker), Natalie Burton, Jacob Burton, Joseph Burton, and Seth Burton; five great-great-grandchildren Will Staten, Duke Staten, Hadley Burton, Colter Burton, and Avery Burton; granddaughter-in-law Shawnda Burton of Columbia; three brothers Junior Holmes (Ann), Roger Holmes (Gail), and Rollin Holmes (Ruby) all of Columbia; a brother-in-law, Onda Wayne Burton; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Kevin Randall Burton; two grandchildren, Nathan and April Lynn Burton; and four siblings, Faye Bottoms, Ruby Rice, Ruth Wright, and Herbert Ray Holmes.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, March 12 at Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home with burial in the New Hope Cemetery.
Bro. Dennie Foriest officiated, and pallbearers were Penny Brown, Abby Burton, Cody Burton, Wesley Burton, Aaron Burton, Parker Staten, and David Brown.
