Obituary of Theresa Ann Butler (Christie)

MARION, Va. Mrs. Theresa Ann Butler (Christie) passed from this earth peacefully while at her home in Marion, Virginia, surrounded by her family. She went to be with her Lord on Monday, March 20, 2017, at the age of 85. Theresa is survived by nine of her children - Robin, Rex, Randall, Tina, Tammy, Rick, Tanyadene, Tenese, and Reno; her grandchildren - Nancy, Hiroshi, Sasha, Cecilia, Elizabeth, Gregory, Jessica, Julie, Ricky, Kelli, Philip, Nathan, and Travis; her great-grandchildren - Jordan, Elijah, Isaiah, Zoe, Ema, Lily-Kate, Shawn, and Nicholas; and great-great-grandchild - Sieglinde. She was preceded in death by her parents, Amandus and Viola; her husband, Richard; her siblings, Joanne, Joseph, George, and Johnny; her son, Kim; as well as her grandson, Brian. Theresa was born on July 20th, 1931 in Toledo, Ohio to Amandus and Viola. She graduated from Notre Dame Academy with a passion for art. She married Richard Butler, a self-employed craftsman and builder in 1951. She and Richard moved to Kentucky and began their family. After a couple years, the new family settled in Annapolis Junction, Maryland. Theresa and Richard were blessed with the birth of 10 children. Theresa set about teaching them love, patience, and perseverance as well as more than a few of life's practical skills - gardening, cooking, canning, sewing, and child-rearing. Additionally, Theresa pursued a career in Permits Processing at Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission. She served the city for 20 years before retiring. Her children remember her as a kind, gentle, simple woman who through strength, diligent hard work, and an enduring love for her family, overcame much during her life with grace and faith. She is described by her loved ones as giving, strong, patient and endearing. Everyone who knows Theresa for more than 5 minutes knows that she loved Jesus with every fiber of her being and was daily "about her Father's business," investing well in relationships and interceding through prayer on behalf of many. Those who spent time with Theresa knew she was an avid bible reader and student of the Word of God, who got excited about going to church each Sunday. She was a dedicated financial supporter of Christian radio broadcast and missionaries around the world for over thirty years. The simple things of life brought her pleasure – on one occasion, just the raindrops on the window pane inspired her to write through the Holy Spirit, an eloquent poem. On any given Saturday, Theresa could be found outside working under the willow tree in her flower garden, where she turned a trash heap into the beauty of the neighborhood. She was an accomplished pianist, gardener, and mentor who selflessly poured out her life, talents, money and time into the lives of others. Early in her life, Theresa was an active and dedicated member of the All Saints Episcopalian parish on Washington Street in Maryland, and volunteered as their organist and worship leader for almost 50 years. Later in her life she was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church in Marion, Virginia, and was involved with the Women's Circle and Sunday School. She set her heart on treasures that are not of this world, where moth and rust do not destroy and thieves cannot steal. Theresa faithfully set out to glorify God during the days of her life and as those who survive her would attest to: In regards to the race that God set before her, she ran well and with all her might. A memorial service is scheduled for Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at 6 p.m. at Seaver Brown Chapel with Pastor David Woody officiating. The family will receive friends from 4:30 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel. A funeral is scheduled for Saturday, March 25, 2017 at 11 a.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church at 7474 Washington Blvd, Elkridge, MD with the family receiving friends one hour prior to the service. A graveside service will immediately follow at Meadowridge Cemetery at 7250 Washington Blvd, Elkridge, MD. The Reverend Anne MacNabb will officiate these services. A reception will then be held at Trinity Episcopal Church at 7474 Washington Blvd, Elkridge, MD. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Theresa Ann Butler's life at either service. Flowers are appreciated for either service or memorial donations can be sent to the First United Methodist Church (Women’s Circle), 115 South Church St., Marion, VA. 24354. The family would like to thank Ann, April, Cora, Patty, Sonia and Kim for their efforts, friendship and dedication to Theresa's comfort and care this past year. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family at www.seaverbrown.com or can be sent to the Butler Family at 1206 Culbert Dr., Marion, VA. 24354. Seaver-Brown Funeral Service and Crematory is honored to serve the Butler Family.