Racine – Edna Louise Butler, "Mother Butler", age 75, passed away on Friday, February 7, 2014, at her residence in Racine.

She was born in Summit, Mississippi on December 23, 1938 to the late Theodore and Lula (nee: Watkins) Carter. Edna was united in marriage to the late Louis Butler, Jr., on March 9, 1957.  To this union four children were born. Edna retired from the Chrysler Corp. after 31 years of faithful service. Mother Butler, as she was affectionately known, was a proud member of Christian Faith Fellowship Church, where she served on the Mother Board and President of the Usher Board.  She loved her Pastors Willie and Patricia Scott and her church family. Everyone who knew Mother Butler knew she loved greeting the members as she stood at the door ushering for over 47 years. Mother Butler enjoyed decorating her home, working in her yard and volunteering for Meals on Wheels. She also enjoyed bowling and traveling to her Usher conventions.

Edna is survived by her loving children, Joyce (DeWayne) Smith, Vanessa G. Butler, both of Racine;  Brenda (Sebastian) Williams of Arlington, TX; and Gregory Louis Butler of Encino, CA; her adoring grandchildren, Vanika (Brian) Jones, Vaneese Oliver; DeVonda  and DeNessa Smith; Reginald Norful,  Jada Ivey; Tia and Talia Butler; and by three beloved great-grandchildren, Brooklyn and Brielle Jones; and Kaleb Adams.  She is further survived by her siblings: five sisters, Beulah Williams, Amertine Garner, Dorothy Jones, Stella Thompson and Eloise Carter; and two brothers, James W. (Lee) Carter and EC (Ernestine) Carter;  special nieces, Virginia Knox,  Sheila Harris,  Jessie Cannon and Bertile Cotton; 5 God-daughters;  special Friends, Hettie Gibson, Gladys Itson, and Luella Middleton. In addition to her parents, Edna was preceded in death by her husband, Louis, on March 6, 1982; four sisters and four brothers.

A Homegoing Celebration will be held on Friday, February 14, 2014 at 11:00 am in Christian Faith Fellowship Church, 3303 Nicholson Road in Franksville, with Pastor Willie Scott officiating. Interment will follow in Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Thursday evening from 5-7 pm and in the church on Friday from 10-11 am.

The Family wishes to thank Dr. Michael Mullane and his staff for their special kindness and care that made this trying time easier.