Beatrice P. Butler

Mrs. Beatrice Pleasant Butler, of Baltimore, Maryland, passed away peacefully, on September 3, 2016, at the Northwest Hospital – Seasons Hospice Care unit. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Calvert (Cal) Butler, their union lasting for close to 40 years. Born December 13, 1932, Bea, as she was lovingly known, was the oldest daughter and first child born to the late Drewery E. Pleasant, Sr. and Mable B. Pleasant (nee Carey). She is survived by her two devoted children, son Calvert Tyronne Butler and daughter Beatrice Elaine Cheatham, four grandsons, whom she loved and adored, Jeffrey Tyronne Butler, Jordan Christopher Butler, Myles Hakim Cheatham and Morgan Ahmad Cheatham, sisters Emma J. Hale and Frances O. Moody, son-in-law Michael L. Cheatham, daughter-in-law Julie J. Butler, brother-in-law Maurice Moody, nieces, nephews, and a host of other family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her sister Mable R. Williams, brothers Drewery E. Pleasant Jr. and Samuel J. Pleasant. Under the strong guidance of her parents Drewery and Mable, she received her Christian training at the First Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland. As she continued to strengthen her Christian faith, Bea was baptized at an early age and in later years was married at First Baptist. Bea loved to sing and performed in various recitals in school and in the church. In earlier years, she was a member of the First Baptist Church Junior Choir, under the direction of Mrs. Vergie Gaines, and continued her love of singing for many years as a member of the First Baptist Church Sanctuary Choir, under the direction of Mr. Alexander Gaskins. Her melodious first soprano voice could be heard on many Sundays, belting out a solo or duet of her favorite hymn, “How Great Thou Art”. Bea loved singing, but also supported the church in many other ways. She was educated in Baltimore City Public Schools, graduating with honors from Dunbar High School with the February class of 1952. She briefly attended Coppin State Teachers College in Baltimore City, but made the decision to become a full-time devoted wife and loving mother. Never giving up her dream to teach, she was able to experience the best of two worlds. She continued to take care of her family as wife and mother, and became a long-term substitute teacher. She worked for over 40 years at Barclay Elementary and Abbottston Elementary Schools in Baltimore City. Running a stern but loving household, she always stressed the importance of an education to her two children. When she stood firmly in the front of a classroom of students, her conviction was just as strong to the many young students lives she touched throughout the years. Her love and dedication to her family and the children of the Baltimore City Public Schools will be greatly missed.

Tributes

Beatrice P. Butler

December 13, 1932 - September 3, 2016