MEDIA RELEASE: From Addiction to Homeownership, LaQuise Burton Celebrates New Beginning With Habitat

OKLAHOMA CITY — For nearly five years, LaQuise Burton has stayed on the straight and narrow after turning her life over to the Lord and overcoming a decade-long drug addiction.

With help from rehab, her faith and her close-knit family, the Midwest City High School graduate secured a job at Tinker Air Force Base, found a church home at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church and began helping others pursue sobriety.

The 39-year-old former student-athlete wiped away tears as she listened to a passionate house blessing by her grandmother, Sharon “MeMa” Marshall of Bethlehem Baptist Church, during the dedication of her new home with Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity (COHFH) on Aug. 13, 2026, in Cornerstone Creek.

After celebrating with family and community members, LaQuise said she has been amazed by the blessings she has received since embracing God and sobriety.

“Five years ago, I didn’t think this is how my life would be,” LaQuise said. “When I got sober, God blessed me in so many ways. It is a blessing how my life has turned out.”

LaQuise said she had not known about COHFH’s New Home Construction or Critical Home Repair programs, but described the help she received in purchasing an affordable Habitat home in Cornerstone Creek as “phenomenal.”

“I looked on Zillow, and I didn’t like it. It’s rough out there to find what you want at a reasonable price,” LaQuise said. “They came in right on time. For a first-time homebuyer, this program is phenomenal. … Thank you. You guys have been a complete blessing!”

She also encourages others struggling with addiction to reach out for help.

“Just reach out, get help and make those calls,” she said. “Next to my relationship with Christ, it’s one of the best decisions I made in my life.”

LaQuise is already planning to host barbecues and holiday gatherings in her new home.

“I’m proud of how Cornerstone Creek is becoming the welcoming, thriving neighborhood we envisioned — one homeowner and one home dedication at a time,” COHFH Chair/CEO Ann Felton Gilliland said.

“LaQuise’s perseverance, faith and willingness to encourage others will make her a wonderful neighbor, and we are honored to celebrate this new beginning with her,” Felton Gilliland said.

For more information about COHFH, call 405-232-4828 or visit www.cohfh.org.