Teresa G "Barton" Kirk's Obituary
Our beloved Maria Teresa Rodriguez Garcia Barton Kirk, affectionately known as "Tita", was born on April 22, 1941, in Aguascalientes, Mexico, to the late Francisco Garcia and Sara Rodriguez. She was the cherished sister of Maria Luisa, Norberto, Pedro (Gabriel), Maria Mercedes, and Maria de los Angeles. From an early age, Teresa showed remarkable determination. After completing fourth grade in Mexico, she went on to graduate from El Salon De Belleza 'Josefina' Beauty School, in 1951. She was just 10 years old. In 1957, she married Vernon Eudell Barton Jr. (Dr, Guru Jeet Singh), and together they welcomed five beautiful children: Danita, Armando, Charlye, Maria, and Roberto. Vernon Jr. passed away in 1986. Danita and Charlye also preceded her in death.
Teresa lived in three different countries: Mexico, Germany, and the United States. She gained her US citizenship in 1968 and resided in Texas, New Jersey, Tennessee, and California. She was often raising her kids by herself, while her husband was off fighting the war and serving our country in the Military. Even though she spoke very little English during their childhood, Teresa made sure all of her children went to college and were successful in their careers.
A lifelong learner, Teresa received her high school diploma from Lynwood Adult School in 1978. She later earned her cosmetology license in 1985 and her barber license in 1986. She worked as a translator at the Watts Health Foundation and Martin Luther King Jr. Hospital. She also built her own business, The New Look House Painters. Still, her proudest career was motherhood.
In 2004, Teresa married Sweppy Havert Kirk (Dr. Kirk), who also preceded her in death. Through that union, she embraced her stepson, Steven Kirk, with open arms.
Though raised Catholic, Teresa became a devoted member of the Bahá’ í Faith in 1975. Her life was a testament to the love of family. She rarely missed a softball game, school play, concert, award ceremony, or birthday. If celebrating a child, grandchild, great-grandchild, niece, nephew, or cousin, she was there. In quieter moments, Teresa's hands were never idle. She crocheted, knitted, made jewelry, worked puzzles, sewed, and could fix nearly anything. She found peace in her garden and serenity in watering her lawn.
Tita leaves behind a legacy of love through her children: Steven Kirk (Tiffany), Armando Barton, Roberto Barton, and Maria Barton, along with her two honorary daughters, Sylvia Richards and Kurteesa Laurenson. In Mexico, she is survived by her 100-year-old sister, Maria Luisa De Anda, and a host of nieces and nephews.
Her memory will forever be treasured by her twelve grandchildren: Desirée Lilly (Camille), Tiana Barton (Ishmael), Fiori Powers (Derrell), Tory Barton (Caitlin), Michelle Williams (Charles Jr.), Kimberlye Steverson (Eric), Laviante Fowler, Kyle Thomas (Linda), Cortnie Barton, Anastacia Montano, as well as two honorary granddaughters, Marishia Black and Alyssa Wilson (Anthony). She also leaves behind twenty-eight great-grandchildren and countless, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends
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