Etta Virginia Butler

Etta Virginia Butler departed this life unto eternal rest on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at MCV Hospital. Etta Virginia Butler was preceded in death by her parents, James Edward Butler Sr. and Virginia Marie Rose Butler; Two sisters- Joyce Butler Bailey and Glenda Butler Stewart; Six brothers- James Edward Butler Jr., William Calvin Butler Sr., Payton Tyrone Butler Sr., Charles Henry Butler, “Baby” Theodore Butler and Albert Rose. Etta Virginia Butler is also preceded in death by her beloved uncle Theodore “Teddy” Butler and other family members. Etta was born on December 10, 1939, in the Newtown/Jackson Ward area of Richmond VA. She grew up in a large family, her being the oldest girl of eleven children and received her early education in the Richmond Public School System. In 1987, she received her MSW degree in Clinical Work/Public Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University; in 1984, she graduated cum laude from Virginia Union University and received her B. S. degree in Social Work with a minor in Gerontology. At VUU, she was an honor student listed in the “Who’s Who” among Students in American Colleges and Universities. Etta graduated as the highest-ranking student in the School of Social Work and was inducted into the Community of Scholars. In 1981, she graduated cum laude and received an Associate/Applied Science degree in Community and Social Services from J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. Etta’s employment included various areas of social work and teaching. She was an Adjunct Professor at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College-Downtown Campus and at now closed St. Paul’s College-Lawrenceville VA. She also served many in her position as a Clinical Social Worker for Bon Secours. Numerous awards and recognitions were presented to her for outstanding and dedicated service. Previous membership and leadership in civic organizations include the Delver Junior Women’s Club Inc. and Graduate Chapter Member, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Etta was a member of Cedar Street Baptist Church of God for over 50 years and served faithfully until her health began to decline. She served as a member of the Diaconate Ministry and as a Deaconess. Other ministries she served were the Mary McPherson Harris Memorial Scholarship, the Royal Ushers, the W. L. Butler Memorial Ushers, the Busy Bee’s, the La Vie, Vacation Bible School, the Women’s Ministry, Combined Choir and the Mass Choir. “Etta Bee”, “Etta Mae”, “Auntie”, “Aunt Etta”, “Cletus” as she was affectionally called was a loving, caring and compassionate matriarch of our family. She loved all her family and always demonstrated this love whenever you were in her presence. She enjoyed cooking, entertaining, talking, teaching, helping others, singing and cheering for the Dallas Cowboys. She hosted many family and friends’ cookouts, reunions, holiday gatherings, birthdays and just one on one memories at her home. Anyone who met her will never forget her. She was the “Queen Bee”. Etta Virginia Butler leaves to cherish and honor her loving memory devoted brother and sister; Harvey Butler (Bertha) and Pat Merritte (Richard), special nieces and nephew; Keisha Prealeau (Dwight), Krystal Merritte-Goode and Kevin Merritte (La Wanda), great nieces; Breyanna and Yasmine Merritte, great-great niece; A’mara (That Lil Girl) Merritte. Etta Virgina Butler is also survived by 11 nieces, 10 nephews (beloved Lee Stewart and William Lynch) and a host of great nieces, great nephews and extended family and friends.

Tributes

Etta Virginia Butler

December 10, 1939 - April 12, 2025