Marilyn Butler Mathews

Marilyn Butler Mathews, 89, of Williamsburg VA, died March 19, 2026. She was born December 23, 1936, in Highland Park IL, the daughter of Gertrude and Charles Butler. Marilyn was predeceased by her husband of almost 56 years, Floyd Huxley Mathews in 2016; son, David Russell Mathews in 2011; her parents and brother, Bruce Butler.

Marilyn is survived by her children, Paul Marshall Mathews (Luciano Tapia Soto), Mary Beth Hughes (Rob Brennan), and Sarah Ann Davis (Kenneth); her grandchildren, Nathan Everett Hughes (Corianne Burrell), Ian Barry Mathews (Kiana Hosseini), Krista Lynn Wheeler (Brad), Erik Krueger Mathews (Victoria), Jam K Davis (Caitlyn Jacobs), Noah Daniel Hughes (Lanie Jaffe), Benjamin Alexander Mathews (Josephine), Andrew Kurtis Davis (Kelsie), Cassandra Grace Davis (Trey Phillippi), and Evelyn Grace Mathews; and her great-grandchildren Mia Grace Mathews, Steven Christopher-David Mathews, Liam Jeronimo Mathews, Greyson Lee Mathews, and Parker Andrew Davis. Also surviving her are her brother, Chuck Butler, sister-in-law, Sandy Mathews, and nieces and nephews.

Marilyn graduated from Highland High School, Albuquerque NM, in 1954. She earned her BS degree in Education from the University of New Mexico in 1958. While teaching 2nd grade at Los Ranchos Elementary School, she met Floyd on a blind date upon his return from earning his master’s degree at MIT in Boston MA. They were married December 27, 1960. Marilyn's focus for the next 17 years was her family and children. During this time, she was very active at her children's schools: Montessori and Gov. Bent Elementary in Albuquerque, serving on boards, as P.T.A. President and volunteer tutor and aide. In 1978 Marilyn returned to teaching at her childrens' elementary school where she developed and taught the gifted program. While teaching, she earned her master’s degree in special education at the University of New Mexico focusing on Gifted Education, graduating Cum Laude in 1983. The last ten years of her working career were at First United Methodist Church, Albuquerque, where Marilyn was staff member for Congregational Care.

Upon retiring, Marilyn and Floyd moved to Charlottesville, VA where they lived for a decade. They continued to travel with Floyd's sister, brother, his wife and friends from Albuquerque. After Floyd's death, Marilyn moved to Williamsburg to be closer to family. Through her 89 years, Marilyn had a true gift for keeping and making meaningful new friendships wherever she lived.

Marilyn and Floyd shared a strong commitment to their family, their children, their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They created a tradition of large family reunions and travel with each of their grandchildren. Marilyn had a way of making each grandchild feel special by communicating with them through cards, phone calls, her artwork, emails and text messages. She intentionally remained tech savvy to stay in touch with family. She will be remembered for her beautifully written correspondence with family and friends. Marilyn had a way of finding the best in people, caring for them, and sharing joy.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education, https://www.peointernational.org/make-a-gift/#donate or mailed to P.E.O. International, 3700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312.

A service of celebration and inurnment is planned for July 27, 2026, at Monticello Memorial Gardens, Charlottesville, VA.