Estelle Butler

Estelle Smith Butler TUSCALOOSA - Estelle Smith Butler, age 85, of Tuscaloosa, passed away September 21, 2016, at home. Visitation will be today, September 23, 2016, at Magnolia Chapel Funeral Home North, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., at Magnolia Chapel Funeral Home North. Services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, September 24, 2016, at the funeral home with Rev Jerry Montgomery officiating. Burial will follow in Memory Hill Gardens with Magnolia Chapel Funeral Home North directing. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Catherine and Robert Smith; sisters, Varilla H. "Sue" Wright, Ilene Traweek and Floriene Traweek; and brothers, Otis Smith, Leland Smith, Leonard Smith and James "Josh" Smith. Survivors include her husband of over 64 years, William C. Butler; daughter, Linda Clark (Arnold) of Tuscaloosa; son, Donnie Butler (Pam), of Tupelo Miss.; two grandsons, Joshua Butler of Tupelo, Miss.; Clay Butler (Lauren), their daughter, Eva and son, William James, of Monroe, La.; brothers, Hildred "Hill" Smith of Northport and Johnnie Smith of Berry, Alabama; and many nieces and nephews. Growing up poor in the post-depression South, her father died when she was only 14. She quit school to help support her family. She and her family moved in with her parents which brought her to a new church, New Hope Baptist, where she met the love of her life. She knew the first time she saw him that he was going to be her husband - even if he didn't know it yet. They were married the next year. One of her favorite things to do was spend time on the road with W.C. whether it was going across the country in a motor home or in the car, they enjoyed seeing new sights. They were able to travel most major highways in the United States from coast to coast. When they were not able to take long road trips, they enjoyed just driving around the state or just around the country. Estelle's most enjoyable times were riding in the car and sitting on the front porch. She worked for several employers through the years but most of as a seamstress. Her hobbies included yard work, growing vegetables and flowers and well as sewing and crocheting. She loved to combine her hobbies with her joy of giving. She's always grew enough vegetables to give away to family, friends and even strangers. She loved to give away clippings from her flowers and she loved sewing for others. She was also known as a loving caregiver, often staying with friends and hospital or at home battling disease. As her health declined it was difficult for her to be on the receiving end of care giving. The family is grateful to have had some wondeful caregivers in DCH DCH Home Health, Journey Hospice, and her special caregiver and friend, Shelia Hall. The family would like to also give a special thank you to all W.C. Butler's siblings who gave such loving care and support over the years. Pallbearers will be Clay Butler, Josh Butler, Kenny Traweek, Jerry Wright, Douglas Butler, Bennie Butler and Tim Butler. Honorary pallbearers are members of Chapel Hill Baptist Church, the WINGs ladies group at Chapel Hill, Norman Traweek, Coy Traweek, Loy and Faye Lunceford, Norman and Sarah Sullivan, Sandi Brown, Shelia Hall and the staff at North River Valley Retirement Community.