Lucy Wilson Butler

Lucy Carolyn Wilson Butler passed peacefully from labor to reward on August 23, 2025, at her residence. She was 93 years old. She was born on February 23, 1932, to Nannie Holloway Wilson and Samuel Wilson.

Lucy is predeceased by her loving and devoted husband, Willie Joseph Butler, Jr. to whom she was married for 69 years. Her beloved children, Alice Jeanette Butler Lomax (Tony), Willie Joseph Butler, III (Gloria) and Samuel Durand Butler (Michelle) survive her.

Lucy was the ninth of ten sisters and brothers. She is predeceased by her siblings Helen Blount, Erris Wilson, Burton Wilson, Herbert Wilson, Herbert Wilson, Joseph Wilson, Warner Wilson, Joshua Wilson, Katie Edwards, and Martha Strand. She is survived by her sisters Elizabeth Savage and Marian Jean Johnson.

She will be forever cherished and remembered by her ten grandchildren; Latresha Lane, Alexandra Jasmine Butler Lomax (deceased0, Kareen Naji Lomax, Samuel Durand Butler, Jr. Shamar D’Andre Butler, Chrisopher Charles Remy, Jenaya Branch Harrison, Elexus Chamberliss, Travis Chamberliss and Sanai Denae Butler. Lucy’s legacy will also live on in her great grandchildren: Caileah Lane, Jeremiah Branch, Summer Harrison, Londyn Harrison and Della Rose Butler.

Lucy will be remembered by a host of nieces, nephews and children who lives she touched and who she loved as her own.

Lucy was born in Smithfield, VA and grew up on a farm where her family kept a host of agricultural crops and farm animals. She found Christ her Savior at Emmanuel Baptist Church where she attended and served until meeting her husband Willie Butler, Jr. of Surry County. Lucy and Willie wed on November 14, 1953 and settled in Surry County becoming members of Mt Nebo Baptist Church building and residing in the house on 750 College Run Drive, until their transition to heaven.

At Mt. Nebo Baptist Church, Lucy was a dedicated Deaconess, Vacation Bible School teacher, Pastor’s Aide Committee Member and choir member. Music runs in the veins of her family and Lucy was no stranger to using her voice as an instrument to praise the Lord. For eight years she ws a member of a multi- congregant choir known fondly as the Golden Voices.

Lucy’s focus in life was always to God, her family, her community and children. She loved teaching and caring for children with her whole heart. After graduating from Isle of Wight Training School in 1950, Lucy furthered her academic journey at Norfolk State University where she focused her studies on Early Education. Lucy was eager to start her career as a substitute teacher and taught for both the Isle of wight and Surry County school systems. She taught school until 1970. It was then that she celebrated the birth of her youngest child, Samuel Butler.

Shortly after Samuel’s birth, Lucy transitioned to caring for children in her home. Surry County is a small and quaint town and Lucy can boast to having cared for countless children throughout various times of their development. The children affectionately had a saying amongst themselves. “If you need a hot meal, if you’re hungry, head to 750 College Drive” Lucy was known for her homemade rolls, ice cream and home cooked meals.

It wasn’t just the children who were touched by Lucy’s love. Lucy spent many hours and days volunteering for the for the Surry Community Center. She was a dedicated member of the order of Easter Star and Lebanon Virginia Baptist Association befriending and encouraging others all along the way.

Lucy loved watching Christian programming, basketball, wrestling and family Feud. In her later years you would often find her immersed in word search books, completing puzzles or spending time talking on her phone with her friends and family. If a box of dominoes was present, she’d challenge you to a game and most times win!

Lucy’s legacy will carry on forever, reminding us to love one another, be there for one another, and actively care for one another. Our lives are intended to be acts of service as modeled by Christ.

On Sunday, August 31, 2025, viewing will be held from 2-5pm at Shivers Funeral Chapel. A Celebration of Life Service will be 11am on Monday, September 1, 2025, at Mt. Nebo Baptist Church. Interment will follow the service in the Mt. Nebo Cemetery. Please keep the Wilson-Butler family in your prayers.