With Stage 4 metastatic lung cancer that has progressed through much of her body, Donna Burton, owner and publisher, of The Groom News, wakes each day and chooses her community first.

“It is so unfortunate that the battle mom is fighting has thwarted her ability to continue being a vibrant leader that is right out in the middle of everything in Groom,” daughter April Jones said. “I can promise you all, that is where she wants to be is right out there with you.”

Burton’s contributions to Groom have been many. She has served as the dog catcher, girl scout leader, dedicated member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, and keeps the weekly issues coming for The Groom News.

“She is one of the strongest women I know,” Kim Brumley Ritter said. “The battle she is facing at this current time is just a glimpse of the fight and drive this lady has.”

Many community members have mentioned that they thought that Burton should be nominated as the “Community Member of the Month,” an honor her publication has been bestowing on other residents, complete with a full-length feature story. But, all her readers know Burton would never give recognition to herself.

“Dedication to your community is the only thing that would drive a person to hold a dead cat in a trash bag out the window of the car multiple blocks to a place of proper disposal,” daughter April Jones said.

According to friends and family, Burton has always been one to put others first. They say she will always find a way to help someone in need.

“She takes a challenge and faces it head on, no questions asked,” Ritter said. “She would give the shirt off her back if she knew someone needed it.”

Burton’s love for her community, and for people in general, can be seen through her citizen-of-the-month choices and articles found in the newspaper.

“There is no financial benefit to the newspaper for this. It doesn’t result in subscription sales or advertisement dollars,” daughter Melody Miller said. “It is simply mom’s desire to recognize the people of Groom doing great things for the community that she is so proud to be a part of.”

Burton also has gone on record as saying – and showing – that she loves Groom ISD – the students, the teachers and everything that goes with them.

“Her dedication did not stop after Melody and I graduated,” Jones said. “She kept on supporting and attending.”

Every Friday Burton walked the sidelines. Then, Tuesdays and Fridays she would be courtside. Her camera constantly took aim at the activities of students – until recently. Yet, sometimes even lately, with pain permeating her body, she made it anyway. And, even when her health has not allowed her to be in the office or at the game, Burton continues to make certain her Groom flag gets put up outside of the news office on Broadway, the main street in town, to show her support for the Tigers and Tigerettes.

“I have told her recently that I thought it was fine if she forgets or can’t get it up,” Jones said. “But, she is adamant that the kids playing ball know she supports them.”

Some people have indicated to the family that Burton could stop investing time in the newspaper at this point, or even sell it, so that she could focus solely on getting well.

“Without the newspaper, she could truly focus on her health and time with family,” daughter Melody Miller said. “However, through the newspaper, her happiness comes from helping the Groom community be alive, connected and thriving.”

Owning the newspaper had been a long-time dream of Burton’s, and it was set to become reality in April 2009 when former owner Phil Miller was ready to sell. But, adversity hit at the same time.

“I focus on the newspaper when asked about my mom being a great citizen for Groom,” Miller said. “Because she takes such pride in keeping our newspaper alive.”

In April 2009 Burton’s husband, Jim, suddenly passed away while she sat in church one Sunday morning.

“To say that her dream of the future in owning the paper was history was certainly my expectation, not for her, not for a moment,” Miller said. “She knew that he would not want anything to stop her dreams as he knew what a great voice for the town of Groom she would be.”

She followed that dream. As a result, residents have found the documentation of the fulfillment of their dreams throughout the weekly pages of The Groom News. In addition, Burton’s work at the paper has influenced many community members in several different ways.

“Donna has influenced me by having faith and confidence in me, no matter what I decide to take on,” Groom News Editor Macee Rocha said. “I can always count on her to have a listening ear with whatever I may experience in life.”

Burton has hired several students in the past to help her at the newspaper office, including sophomore K’Leigh Keesee.

“It was really fun,” Keesee said. “I looked forward to going back every Wednesday morning, even if it meant I had to get up early.”

Many who know her have gone on record to say Burton is the best mom, friend and granny a person could ever be blessed with having – simply because her love is “endless.”

“I am strong and independent because of her. I am disorganized because of her, but I’m creative, and I got that from her too,” Jones said. “I just think that my mom is amazing.”

School Closes to Honor Memory of Donna Burton