Carol, a descendant of one of New Braunfels earliest German settlers, was born to Jack and Lottie Altwein Williamson on November 6, 1940, in New Braunfels, Texas. Like everyone who grew up during wartime, life was challenging, but there was never a time when Carol didn't feel loved by her family. For much of her early childhood, her father served our country overseas and would be away for years at a time, but this did not weaken their bond. He was, as she called him, "the light of her life," a sentiment that remained true past his early death and throughout the rest of her life.
When Carol was 12 years old, their family welcomed her brother and best friend, Jack Williamson Jr., into the world. She always said that this was one of the best days of her life because she no longer had to grow up alone. Carol attended school in New Braunfels and graduated from New Braunfels High School in 1958.
During the Christmas holidays of 1958, Carol's life was forever changed when she met the love of her life, Donald (Charlie) Butler. Carol and Charlie married soon after, in November of 1959, and began their lives together in New Braunfels. They were a constant in each other's lives for 65 years and remained that way until his death in 2023 - she never stopped loving him.
In 1965, their first child, Vince Butler, was born, followed by their second child, Keith Butler, in 1968. Carol was a loving and devoted mother who dedicated her life to raising her two boys. She and Charlie instilled in Vince and Keith the values of hard work, honesty, and decency and showed them how to trickle those values down to their children. Carol never shied away from telling the world how extremely proud she was of her kids.
Carol's spiritual curiosity began in the Protestant church as a child, and later, she followed her spiritual quest to Eckankar where she remained an active member until her passing.
When asked to describe Carol, words like loving, caring, confident, hilarious, animated, storyteller, strong willed, generous, stubborn, and fierce were all used to describe her. To the ones who loved her deeply, she was a devoted wife, a loving mother, a Nana like no other, a fierce sister, a supportive friend, a world class cook and baker, your biggest cheerleader, and a role model who inspired everyone to put one foot in front of the other and be the best version of themselves.
Carol is survived by her brother and his wife, Jack and Connie Williamson, her two children (and spouses): Vince Butler (Jamie), Keith Butler (Kristin); and 5 grandchildren (and spouses): Reece Butler, Zach Butler, Mackenzie Butler Davidson (Connor), Carly Butler, and Holden Butler (Zarred), and her 4 great-grandchildren: Sheridan and Brooks Davidson, Haven Butler, and Robby Beltran. She is also survived by loved ones, Sharon and Wesley Watson, Jessica Glover Calentine, as well as many more friends and family.
The family would like to sincerely thank the caregivers at Sundance Inn and Hope Hospice for their care and support during Carol's final days of life. In lieu of sympathy flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hope Hospice of New Braunfels.
A celebration of life service will be held Sunday, May 18, 2023, at Zoeller Funeral Home, 615 Landa Street, New Braunfels, Texas. The family will receive visitors at 1 pm in the Chapel; the service will begin at 2 pm, with light refreshments to follow.
