Menu
Martha Butcher
On Thursday, May 23, 2024, the Lord took the hand of His loyal and faithful servant, Martha Lorene Butcher, and called her home. Martha passed peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, at Avante Nursing Home in Jacksonville Beach, Fla.
Born on March 23, 1931, in Pine, Mo., Martha was the youngest of Charles and Mima Drane’s 11 children. She married Curtis Finley Butcher on Jan. 20, 1951. To this union, two sons were born: Stephen Curtis and Douglas Ray. Martha worked as a secretary for National Lock in Rockford, Ill., and transferred with her family to Sikeston, Mo., in 1972. In 1986, she joined her husband as they “retired” into self-employment, founding B & H Metal Finishing in Advance, Mo. Curtis and Martha eventually relocated to Jacksonville, Fla., in 2013, where they spent the remainder of their years spoiling their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Affectionately known as “Baby Aunt”, Martha enjoyed gardening, fishing and spending time with loved ones. Content and cheerful in spirit, Martha’s devotion to her family was witnessed through her servant’s heart and leadership. Martha was a phenomenal cook and homemaker, and could easily light up a room with her smile or a song. She was a faithful member of Illinois Avenue General Baptist Church in Sikeston and later Union Grove General Baptist Church near Advance.
In addition to her parents, Martha was preceded in death by her husband, two sons, and daughter-in-law (Beth Butcher). She is survived by one granddaughter, Aimee Kimball of Jacksonville, Fla.; one grandson, Stephen Butcher, Jr. of Springfield, Mo., and two great-grandchildren, Garrett Kimball and Ava Kimball. Martha is also survived by her beloved older sister, Laura Arlene Sullivan (Marshfield, Mo.) and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.