Gracie Lee Keys Butler was born on October 3, 1927 to the late Laz Keys and Gertrude Siggers Keys in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
She came to Cleveland, Ohio at the tender age of twelve (12) and was reared by her uncle, Marvin Gray (deceased), in the East 55th and Thackery area. Gracie graduated from John Hay High School and was employed by serveral companies as well as, the Cleveland Twist Drill Company.
After meeting up with her childhood friend, Fleming G. Butler, they were united in marriage on June 19, 1963. Fleming was a career military officer, which led them to travel throughout the United States and abroad. They ultimately settled in Huntsville, Alabama. Gracie was a devoted wife and mother.
Gracie accepted Christ as her personal savior at an early age and while residing in Huntsville she united with the St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church and was active as President of the Pastor’s Aide Board and a church stewardess for many years. She was employed by both Alabama A&M University and the University of Alabama Huntsville. Gracie was highly recognized for her beautiful personality, skills, work ethics and many years of service.
Fleming and Gracie relocated to Cleveland, Ohio in May of 2004, to be near immediate family, as well as to allow her niece, Gloria Anthony to provide assistance with her care and wellbeing.
With her gentle spirit, Gracie encouraged and supported so many people. She was the portrait of the virtuous woman described in Proverbs 31. In particular verse 20, “She stretched out her hands to the poor; yea she reacheth forth her hands to the needy” and verse 25, “Strength and honor are her clothing, and she shall rejoice in time to come.”
Gracie was preceded in death by three sisters: Kathleen, Ruby and Lucille.
Gracie leaves to mourn her passing her husband, Fleming Butler; two children: Bonita Butler Elliot and Glenn Butler; three grandchildren: Mario, Courtney, and Deomica; her brother, Oley (Clea) Keys; sister, Ann Keys Thigpen; nieces and nephews: Gloria Jackson Anthony, Norma Jackson Stevens, Larry Jackson, Cynthia Ray (Steve) Wiggins, Fred (Pat) Ray, Tamara Anthony, Myron Stevens, Marcus Stevens, Edward Gray and Jasmin Gray; great aunt, Carolyn Siggers Addison; cousins: Joan (Duey) Brooks and LaVerne Agnew; sisters-in-law: Evelene Anderson and Vivian Carnail; adopted daughter, Claire and many additional relatives and devoted friends throughout the United States including Huntsville.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday, September 22, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. at the St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church with Dr. Homer L. McCall, Officiating.