Paris Elaine Barton

Our Little Butterfly

From the very beginning, it was clear that Paris Elaine Barton is no ordinary soul. Born on March 30, 1999, she entered this world with a brilliance and authenticity that would leave her mark on every life she touched. She was our Princess Paris — our sunshine - our little butterfly — a young woman who, even in her brief time here, lived with extraordinary purpose.

Paris began her journey of learning at George Washington Carver Elementary in East Orange, New Jersey, where it quickly became apparent that she was destined for great things. She was so bright, in fact, that she skipped kindergarten entirely — stepping boldly into a world that could barely keep pace with her curious and eager mind. Our little butterfly took off in East Orange & landed in Pennsylvania, where she attended the Pleasant Valley School system. Paris wasted no time making her presence Imown. She became a cheerleader both at the recreational level and ultimately earned a coveted spot on the varsity cheerleading tearn her freshman year and became cheer captain her senior year — a testament not just to her athleticism, but to her spirit and her drive. A reflection of her commitment, she cheered from the age of 5 years old until she was a sophomore in college. Additionally, she ran frack and was the ultimate scholar. She carried this passion to college at Michigan State University, where she studied Neuroscience (2016—2018) and was a member of the Charles Drew Scholars Prograrn and the Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students (M.APS). The same season she joined the Spartan Competitive Cheer Squad which ranked third in the nation. She then fransferred to Central State University, graduating Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Psycholoy (2018—2020), where she also served as President of Fitness Fanatics LLC and was active in Student Governrnent and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars.

She went on to earn a Master of Arts in School Counseling with Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) qualifications from Kean University (Sep 2020—Aug 2024). In December 2023, Paris proudly became a legacy member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, through the Omega Mu Omega Chapter in Philadelphia. This milestone was more than a symbolic honor; it was a testament to the rich legacy of service and sisterhood that runs through her family. As a member of this chapter, Paris embraced a wider calling—leading by example, uplifting others, and staying true to the ideals of academic excellence, compassion, and community service. Building on that foundation, Paris became a PhD candidate in Behavioral Health Leadership at Walden University, on her way to earning the title Dr. Paris Elaine Barton before the age of 30. At Walden, she was inducted into Omega Nu Lambda for academic excellence and leadership distinction in doctoral studies among others. Honor societies welcomed her at every level of her education. With every new chapter, Paris carried her love of learning with her like a lantern.

Paris's faith was the foundation beneath everything she built. She gave her life to Christ and was baptized at the Pocono Church of Christ in Sfroudsburg, Pennsylvania — a moment her family holds close as a symbol of who she was at her core. She went on to pour herself into the Newark Church of Christ where she made her mark. She led mental health workshops that opened doors and changed lives, and she redesigned the nursery %ith the same care she gave to everything she touched. The youth of both congregations felt her love, her guidance, and her warmth. Rooted in her faith, Paris met people in some of their hardest moments and helped them find their way fflrough.

Her professional life was a natural extension of her heart. Paris began her career as a Counselor at PA Treatment & Healing (PATH) in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania (Jul 2021—May 2022), specializing in adolescent mental health. She then served as Care Manager and later Wraparound Coach at Families and Cornmunity Together (May 2022—Jun 2024), before joining Community Care Behavioral Health as a Clinical Case Manager (Apr—Oct 2024). She earned her licensure as a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) for the State of New Jersey and completed over 458 clinical hours, earning national counselor certifications in September 2024. She continued as a Therapist at Ellie Mental Health in Old Bridge, NJ (Oct—Dec 2024), then as Primary Therapist at Innerspace Counseling (Dec 2024—Jun 2025), and most recently as Outpatient Therapist at Serenium (Jun

2025—present), where she utilized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). She worked XMth people from all walks of life — the young, the vulnerable, the overlooked — and she met each one with compassion and skill. She had a gift for seeing people, truly seeing them, in a way that made them feel less alone in the world.

After college, Paris built her life with intention — living first with her Auntie Mimi and Uncle Sheldon, then Bloomfield, and finally settling in Perth Amboy, the place she called home in her final year. She made her way to Florida often to sit with her grandparents, because to Paris, family was never something to take for g•anted. Myla & Luke Barton called her Auntie P, and in that name lived all the joy and love she gave them freely.

In her later years, Paris discovered a new mission close to her heart — supporting epilepsy research and advocacy. Paris Elaine Barton was a butterfly in every sense — beautiful & full of motion. The flowers she landed on will always remember her touch. She leaves behind a legacy of intelligence, compassion, faith, and love that will continue to bloom in all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Paris is survived by her mother Gigi Barton; her father Keith Barton; brothers Myles (Courtney), Kiel and Mark (Michelle) Barton. She is also survived by her Grandmother Anita Lister and Grandfather Robert Barton, her Aunt Mimi Toney and her Uncle Sheldon Toney; her cousins Jeremy Toney and Dominique Toney. As well as her niece Myla Barton and her nephew Luke Barton and several other family members from the United States and Bermuda.

Paris is predeceased by her grandfather David Alfred Lister, her grandmother Rosalind Elaine
Tyson and her uncle Kyle Ross Barton.

Forever in our hearts. Forever our Princess. Forever our Butterfly.

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