Valantein V. Burson

Valantein Vivienne Burson, 31, died Monday, October 24, after being involved an auto accident. Born in Stoughton, she was raised and educated in Stoughton and was a graduate of Stoughton High School. Ms. Burson continued her education at American International College in Springfield, where she earned a soccer scholarship and was a 4 year student athlete. She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree and Master's Degree in Psychology. Currently she was pursuing her PhD. She worked as a Licensed Mental Health Clinician at both the Bridgewater Treatment Center and Bridgewater State Hospital in Bridgewater. She was devoted to her work and with helping those with mental illness. She was also involved with the Mentoring Program in New Bedford and was the supervisor of 10 clinicians. Previously she worked for the Department of Youth Services. She was an avid soccer fan and enjoyed playing in a Women's Soccer league in Stoughton for many years.

Ms. Burson was the daughter of Vivienie (Bennett) Thorpe and her longtime companion Philip Cohen of FL and Jewell E. Burson of VA. She was the sister of Winston A. Bennett of New Bedford, David Burson of Wakefield and the late Jason E. Burson. Ms. Burson was the granddaughter of Pious George Byfield of Jamaica and the late Del Byfield, Louise Epps and Jewel E. Burson Sr. She is survived by her great grandmother Rosa Benjamin of Jamaica. She is also survived by her boyfriend Matthew Gray of RI. She is also survived by 2 nieces and several cousins in Boston, Brockton, Wakefield, New Bedford, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Florida, Jamaica, London, Japan and Denmark.

Funeral will be held from the Farley Funeral Home, 358 Park St., (Rt. 27) Stoughton on Monday, October 31 at 11 AM followed by a Funeral Mass at St. John the Evangelist, Canton at 12:30 PM. Visiting Hours Sunday, October 30 from 2-5 PM. Interment will take place at Evergreen Cemetery. Donations may be made to start a scholarship in Valantein's memory by donating to the Stoughton High School Associates Account in Memory of Valantein Burson, 232 Pearl St., Stoughton, MA 02072.