Josephine Butler

Josephine Butler age 79 passed away peacefully, with her family by her side on Saturday, June 1, 2013 at home, after a short illness. She was born November 6, 1933, the second daughter of the late Clyde and Bessie (Maples) Dunlap. She was raised in the Pea Ridge Community and attended Porter High School. She married the late Verlon Butler. They moved to the Rocky Branch/Walland area in 1956 where they started Butler Wrecker Service and raised 5 daughters. She retired from Levis Strauss. She was a longtime member of New Castle Presbyterian Church and taught Sunday School for many years. The way she lived her life in a loving and welcoming way was a testament to her faith. She enjoyed singing with her "Dunlap Sisters" Dorothy Jean and Shirley in church and at decoration services at the historic Bethlehem Memorial Church. Above all, she was a devoted wife, treasured mother and precious grandmother. She enjoyed having her family for Sunday and Holiday dinners, She also enjoyed watching the Wheel of Fortune and going on her weekly trip to Wal-Mart with her daughter. She was very loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Preceded in death by: Husband, Verlon Butler; parents, Clyde and Bessie Maples Dunlap; Sister, Dorothy Jean Robertson. Survivors include: daughters and sons-in-law, Brenda and Doug Gregory, Vivian and Rick White, Ada and Jerry Hall; daughters, Barbara Law and Sandra Butler; Grandchildren, Angie McLemore, Dena and husband Michael Knight, Melissa and husband Bobby Derbyshire, Brandon and wife Lindy Hall, Jeran and wife Cara Hall, Derrick White, and Travis Hughes; Great-Grandchildren, Courtney and husband Will West, Chad McLemore, Sydney Knight, Eden Knight, Riley Derbyshire, Claire Derbyshire, Rhett Hall, Brinley Hall; Great-Great Grandchild, Malachi West; Sister, Shirley Partain; Brother, John (Janice) Dunlap; many other loving nieces, nephews, family members and friends. Funeral service will be at 7:00 PM, Tuesday, June 4, 2013 at Smith Trinity Chapel with Rev. Tom Waring, Gary Robertson and Rev. Jim McCulla officiating. Interment will be at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, June 5, 2013 at Pleasant Grove Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM, Tuesday, June 4, 2013 at Smith Trinity Chapel. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithMaryville.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Josephine Butler please visit our Sympathy Store.