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Gloria Jean Butler was born January 8, 1943 to Alvin Bailey, Jr. and Lillie Mae (Harris) Barton. She was the first of five children. She received her education in Austin Public Schools. Gloria loved caring for others; especially children. She was a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a wife, a mother, a grandmother and a great grandmother. Her love for children spilled over to all – young and old alike. Many called her an adoptive mother because she kept everybody’s children. Gloria was an active member of David Chapel Missionary Baptist Church where she made her presence known. Her heart-felt hallelujah(s), astounding A-men(s) and sometimes explosive shouts were her signature style of praising the Lord. Gloria was a member of the Platinum Plus Ministry and worked in the Children’s Center for a short season. Her favorite scripture was Psalm 23 and she believed in doing unto others as you would have them do unto you. Gloria loved to cook and her kitchen was the favorite eating spot for all the family to gather. A holiday or special occasion was not complete without her mouth-watering fried chicken, chili-beans, corn bread and carrot cake. Her other specialties were peach pie and rum cake. She celebrated life by talking about her children, grand-children and great-grandchildren. After her health began to decline, she resided at the Riverside Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, where she enjoyed making arts and crafts. There she was treated with the upmost care. She was known as having a sweet and gentle spirit. Anyone there would say, “We loved Mrs. Butler, she was a special lady.” Gloria was married to Charles (Butch) J. Butler for 55 years. Together they reared four children and they were foster parents for five years. Mrs. Butler was preceded in death by her mother and father. She leaves to carry on her legacy of love: Her husband, Charles J. Butler, four children: Rose Cavil (Pflugerville, Tx); Sherry D. Bailey (Austin, Tx); Lisa Williams (Austin, Tx); Jerry J. Butler and wife Nela, (Washington, D.C.); her two sisters: Alvenia (Ella) Black; Valerie Norwood; her two brothers: Calvin McBride Jr., and Loncell McBride, all of Austin, Tx. Seven grandchildren: Wilbert and James Allen; Shenequa Butler; Danielle Ramirez-Polley and husband Michael; Shantel Cavil; Cedric (Mitchie) L.B. Mitchell, IV; and Jerry J. Butler, Jr; five great-grandchildren: Camden and Cierra Ramirez-Polley; Christian and Reigha Allen and Londyn Rhodes; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and scores of extended family and friends.

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Gloria Jean Butler

January 8, 1943 - June 4, 2016