Martha Burton

Martha Edna Mae Burton (February 4, 1913 – August 7, 2007) was a pioneer in the sport of bowling, advancing the sport through racial tensions that divided African American’s and Caucasians during World War II and contributing to its’ growth for over five decades. Through her extensive work and support of minorities in bowling, Martha became one of the most respected bowling advocates in the nation and is noted for bridging the gap between Black and White bowlers. Personal life Martha was born on February 4, 1913 to parents Paul and Mary Burton (née Barlow) in Washington D.C. She had one older sister, Mary. Martha would go on to marry William W. Burton. In addition to her love of bowling, Martha loved children, and was a beloved and dedicated Kindergarten teacher, coach, and mentor, helping to motivate youths to excel on and off the lanes. Her dedication to youth bowlers inspired her to serve as a coach and volunteer for the Washington D.C. Area Young American Bowling Alliance. She also served as director of the former American Junior Bowling Congress and was a charter member of the Vir-Mir-District YABA board, where she served for 32 years helping to broaden the sport’s awareness to youths. Additionally, Martha also served on many local, state and national youth boards, organized leagues, ran tournaments and spent countless hours on the lanes teaching kids how to bowl. In addition to teaching, Martha was a riveter, helping to build airplanes during the war, as well as an active volunteer with the U.S. Signal Corps. Martha passed away on August 7, 2007 at the age of 93. She was laid to rest next to her husband, William Burton at Quantico National Cemetery in Virginia.