Nan Epton Burleson

Nan Epton Burleson died February 15, 2025, in Waxahachie, TX. She was born to Thomas Hollis Epton and Margaret Pittman Epton on Dec. 28,1936 in Durant, Oklahoma. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Thomas Edward Burleson, Jr., and a daughter, Lori Burleson Johnson, and Lori’s husband Lee. 

Mrs. Burleson is survived by her children Greg Burleson and wife Julia; Tim Burleson and wife Tami of Waxahachie; and Ame Burleson Solomon and husband John of Los Angeles, California. Also surviving are her sister, Jan Epton Seale and husband John Brown of McAllen, Texas, and her sister-in-law, Ann Bond of Dallas. Mrs. Burleson's grandchildren include April (Jeremy), Annie (Eric), Kyla and Sutton Burleson, Sarah Solomon, Katherine Johnson-Roberts (Matt), and Brian Johnson (Vicky). Also surviving are her great-grandchildren, Cameron Cole, Ava and Lily Brown, Annabelle and Ruby Johnson, and five nephews.

She graduated from Waxahachie High School in 1954 and North Texas University in 1958 with a Bachelor of Business in Marketing degree. Her early work life included clerking after school and in the summer for Maxwell Jewelry in Waxahachie, where she gained experience in business practices. After college, she also worked as assistant training officer at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Washington D.C. where her husband Edward was serving active duty in the Air Force at Andrews Air Force Base. Mrs. Burleson lived a full life of the Spirit, the daughter of the late Rev. T. Hollis Epton and Mrs. Epton, as well as the wife of a Baptist deacon whose family held deep ties to the Baptist denomination. She worked during college summers for the Annuity Board of the Baptist General Convention of Texas.  

She was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Waxahachie, which her father pastored from 1950 to 1961. She taught Sunday School there for 20 years and co-chaired the History Team of the church. She was also director of the Fellowship Department for more than 10 years and a mentor for the program “Mothers of Pre-school Children” sponsored by the First Baptist Church.  After raising her children, Mrs. Burleson enjoyed being a substitute teacher at Waxahachie High School for 24 years.  Civic work included Cub Scout leadership, volunteer for Waxahachie Care, volunteer teacher's aide, courthouse tour guide for Historic Waxahachie, board member of the Waxahachie Foundation, and president and secretary of both the Junior Service League and a 45-year member of the Friday Book Club. 

For many years, she was the main caregiver of her aging parents after they retired to Waxahachie. With a strong will, a natural sense of humor, and a cheerful demeanor, she exhibited great energy and loved interacting with her children and their families. She and her husband traveled to 48 states and to several countries in Europe. She experienced many adventures, such as learning to ski at 40 years of age, and riding snowmobiles, racecars, covered wagons, motorcycles, and dog sleds. Mrs. Burleson enjoyed decorating and entertaining, as well as having dinner and playing bridge with dear friends. She will be greatly missed by her family and the community.

Visitation is scheduled for Monday March 3, 2025, from 12:00 noon - 1:30pm at First Baptist Church of Waxahachie with a Celebration of Life to follow at 2:00pm. Upon conclusion of services interment will follow at Waxahachie City Cemetery under the direction of Wayne Boze Funeral Home. Please make donations to the American Heart Association, Waxahachie Cares or First Baptist Church.