Person:Mary Butler (91)

_FREL: Natural

_MREL: Natural

Funeral ceremony for Mary Ehtel Butler Conner March 21,1998

Mary Ethel butler was born in Greenville Alabama on September 28, 1913, to Mattie Sue and Jesse Butler. She was the third of four daughters, her sisters being Belva, Bernice and Jessie.(1) Mary's mother was widowed at an early age leaving her to raise her four daughters alone. In time she met and married Jack Benedick, to whom her brother henry was born. Mary is survived by her sister Belva and brother Henry. Bernice and Jessie preceded her in death. Mary was married to Lynn Lewis Conner, Jr. Of Eufaula, Alabama, who preceded her in death in 1968. Although they had no children Aunt Mary was always a gracious host to her nieces and nephews, whom she loved very much. Mary was actively involved in her church wherever she lived, making it the center of her activity. She and Lynn lived in several cities including Houston, New Orleans, Jackson MS, San Antonio and Mobile. After Lynn's death in 1968 she eventually moved to Fairhope where she became an active member of Fairhope Avenue Baptist Church. When her health began to fail in 1993, she became a resident of Eastern Shore Health Care Center. Rather than considering this move the "end of the road," she made the best of her circumstances, ministering to the other residents and staff. She was always ready to give a hug, a word of encouragement and appreciation to all with whom she came in contact. Watching her was a lesson in making the most of her opportunities rather than focusing on her disabilities. She never met a stranger. Although her memory was fading, her faith in her savior never wavered. Her favorite activity continued to be attending church services at her new home. She was a joy to those around her, singing her favorite hymns and reading the scriptures. She rarely missed a church service while there. Mary's heart was always with her dear Lynn. She kept his picture over her bed where he could watch over her. At the time of his death she had received a little booklet from a now unknown friend, entitled "for those who mourn". On the back someone had written the following words, written as though they were said to her by Lynn: "Mary, one day we will be together again for always. Keep your faith. It's beautiful beyond words here. I love you as only a spirit can". Mary had written below this, "I love you too, my precious." In the front of Mary's Bible, which was a gift from Lynn, were written the following words: "To Mary, my beloved wife. It was signed "Lynn" Mary wrote these words in his memory: "Lynn, I miss you very much. One day we will be together again. I love you my precious... one day... missing you so very much." Mary's faith in her Lord Jesus assured her of her eternal destiny. She is whole again, never again to know sorrow, pain, loneliness or death. She has run the race and kept the faith. Great is her reward. (1) Written by Martha Nealy and read by Horace Nealy at Mary's funeral