SPRINGFIELD - Deaconess Beatrice A.W. Butler, 88, known affectionately as "Bea" to those closest to her, of Catherine St. Springfield, departed this life on Saturday, May 18, 2013, at St. Francis Home in Worcester, MA, after a lengthy illness. Born in Edgefield, SC, she was a daughter of Robert Williams and Rosa Lee Catoe Williams Greene. She was the last surviving of the couple's 20 children. Mrs. Butler graduated from South Carolina State University in 1947 with a major in mathematics. She taught grades seven through nine in the Springfield public schools for 25 years. Mrs. Butler was extremely active in her church as a trustee, Sunday School teacher, and member of the Deaconess Board. She was also active in the spiritual community, serving in a variety of positions in support of the United Baptist Council. She had a large heart and was always reaching out to lend a hand to anyone who needed it, in the true spirit of being a Christian. She loved baking, and her corn bread and pound cake -- both always from scratch -- were loved by all of her family and her many friends. Pre-deceased by her husband, Deacon Hampton J. Butler, and two children, Jeannie A. Budd and Joel A. Butler, and a grandson, Alain M. Budd, she is survived by three children, Beatrice Janelle Butler-Phifer (and Jesse) of Toledo, OH, Cora Y. Butler-Jones of Worcester, and John A. Butler (and Cynthia) of Agawam, MA; eight grandchildren, Anthony D. A. Butler (and Julia) of Desert Springs, CA, Tanzania G. Kumbellick (and George) of Worcester, Diane E. Budd of Orlando FL, Lynn E. Budd of Wilbraham, Elisabeth A. Budd of Baltimore, MD, Amanda A. Butler-Jones of Washington, D.C., and Victoria I. Phifer and Olivia I. Phifer, both of Toledo; three great grandchildren, Dwayne Butler, Tyrek Butler, and Jordon Butler, all of Desert Springs, and Xairis T. Santana of Orlando; and a host of loving nieces and nephews. We say goodbye with heavy hearts, knowing that Momma Bea will be sorely missed! The calling hours are 7-9 p.m. Thursday at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, 17 John St., with funeral services at 10 a.m. Friday at the Church. Burial will be in the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery. Harrell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

[Published in The Springfield Republican from May 20 to May 21, 2013]