Alberta Bowser Butler

Mother Alberta S. Butler, better known as "Ma Bert," was called home on Thursday, February 11, 2021, at Coliseum Convalescent and Rehab Center in Hampton, Virginia. She was born in Lenoir County in North Carolina. Her parents were the late William Smith and Ollia Sills, Anderson. Ma Bert graduated from Hunting High School in Newport News, Virginia; she then furthered her education and received a Cosmetology Certification. Yes, she went to school for cosmetology, but her true passion was nurturing and caring for children. She counted it as a blessing from the Lord that mothers and fathers would trust her with their children. Ma Bert would take care of children from when they were born until kindergarten, some even longer. In 1961 she moved to Smithfield, Virginia; she married the late Frank T. Bowser, and shortly after, in 1963, to this union, she was blessed with a daughter Alverta Francine Bowser. Sadly after he passed in 1971, she married the late Arthur F. Butler in 1977. As a means of encouraging herself, she would daily recite 2 Corinthians 5:7. Which reads, "For we walk by faith, not by sight."(KJV). Ma Bert accepted Christ at an early age, therefore she joined St. John COGIC, which was under the leadership of the then late Elder Samuel L. Greene Jr. He was later ordained a Bishop. As a change of pace, she moved to New York City. Alberta joined Holy Trinity COGIC, which was led by the late Bishop Cook. Ma Bert thought New York was too cold, so she only stayed for about a year and moved her way back down to Newport News, Virginia. In 1961, she joined Mount Tabor COGIC. She serviced the church faithfully. Mother Butler serviced on the Pastor's Aide Committee, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School. She is most known for being the President of the Usher Board. She served as the Usher Board President for more than forty years. Alberta put up a long fight, but now she is at peace, and she leaves a host of family to cherish her memories. Her daughters Alverta Holloman "Francine" (Christopher Holloman), Juliaette Blackwell (William Blackwell Sr.), Gracie Wilkerson, Lillie Ann Wilhite (Curtis Wilhite), and her son James Bowser. Ma Bert has two special grandchildren Adriana Holloman (Sunshine) and Christopher Holloman (Lil Chris). Last but not least, her two closest friends Florence Lane and Rose Joyner. Ma Bert's life and legacy will forever live on through her children, godchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. A Drive-in Celebration of Life Service will be held 12pm Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at Shivers Funeral Chapel. Public viewing will take place Tuesday, February 16, 2021 from 4-6:30 pm at Shivers Funeral Chapel. Mrs. Butler is in the loving and professional care of Shivers Funeral Chapel. Please keep the Bowser and Butler family in your thoughts and prayers. View Memorial Pictures

Burial Date February 17, 2021

A Drive-in Celebration of Life Service will be held 12pm Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at Shivers Funeral Chapel. Public viewing will take place Tuesday, February 16, 2021 from 4-6:30 pm at Shivers Funeral Chapel. Mrs. Butler is in the loving and professional care of Shivers Funeral Chapel. Please keep the Bowser and Butler family in your thoughts and prayers.