Hilda Williams Butcher

Hilda Grace Williams Butcher departed this life on Monday, February 28, 2022, just a few months shy of her 102nd birthday. Born on May 30, 1920 to Anna and Benjamin Williams, Mrs. Butcher was raised and educated in the former Canal Zone, Republic of Panama. Encouraged by her family, Mrs. Butcher devoted herself to religious and educational pursuits, eventually matriculating to the La Boca Normal Training School. As a member of the La Boca class of 1944, Mrs. Butcher garnered the respect of her peers. In the class yearbook, The Thinker, one classmate recalled that, “Hilda, the good and faithful, told of the time when, on a gospel tour, she converted a prison filled with sinners into God-fearing Christians. She fervently hoped she would be able to do the same for the rest of the class and even the teachers.”

A life long learner, Mrs. Butcher later earned a degree in library sciences from the Canal Zone College.

Mrs. Butcher began her professional career as a library assistant at the Paraiso High School in her native Panama. Unsurprisingly, Mrs. Butcher’s dedication to service immediately impressed her students. Indeed, the students’ appreciation for Mrs. Butcher resounds to this day. One grateful, former student recently spotlighted Mrs. Butcher in an on-line publication, endearingly referring to her as “Our librarian.”

Mrs. Butcher’s career ambitions led her into the civil service, where she worked in the Library Services Division of the Panama Canal Commission until her retirement in the early 1980s. That position afforded Mrs. Butcher a dream opportunity—to manage her own library in the Canal Zone town of Gamboa. Countless families and children, including her own grandchildren, passed through the doors of her library. Mrs. Butcher greeted all patrons with a smile and invitation to stay awhile and enjoy the impressive collection of books, puzzles, and games. As the town librarian, Mrs. Butcher also sponsored spelling bee competitions, challenging the young minds of Gamboa and neighboring hamlets to perform at their very best.

Never one to rest when her community called, Mrs. Butcher held the post of Secretary on the Gamboa Civic Council and served many years on the International Girl Scout Council. She also led Sunday School classes, taught pre-kindergarten students in the basement of the Lady of Good Council Church in Gamboa, and sponsored disadvantaged students from Bocas del Toro and Ciudad del Niño as they worked to improve their lives.

Upon retirement from the Panama Canal Commission, Mrs. Butcher finally joined her family in the United States. The tireless Mrs. Butcher, however, was not quite ready to stop guiding the youth around her. She volunteered her time at a neighborhood branch of the Virginia Beach Public Library. Later, Mrs. Butcher cared for several children, loving them and their families as she did her own.

Finally retiring for good at 80, Mrs. Butcher settled into a quieter life, cared for by her devoted daughter, Gloria, with special assistance from family and care givers. When asked how she managed to work and provide the care Mrs. Butcher required in her later years, Gloria would respond, “My mother would do this for me.” Truer words have never been spoken.

The last of a blessed and hearty generation, Mrs. Butcher was predeceased by her parents and siblings. Her daughter, Therese, son, Tony, and niece and adopted daughter, Patricia, also awaited Mrs. Butcher’s heavenly arrival.

In addition to her daughter, Gloria, survivors include her grandchildren, David (Lynnae), Therese (Darryl), Jametha (Tim), Donald (Dawn), and Darryl (Donna). Mrs. Butcher is also survived by her great grandchildren, Danielle, Marc, Kai, Taryn, Sylvester, Dominique, Haley, Jada, Evan, and Dawson, as well as her great-great granddaughter and playful companion for the past three years, Alaiya. A host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and dear friends remain to celebrate Mrs. Butcher and her life so very well lived.

Mrs. Butcher’s family and friends will gather to celebrate her life at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 8, 2022 at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 6329 E. Virginia Beach, Blvd., Norfolk, Virginia 23502. Visitation will take place from 5-7 p.m. at Monday, March 7, 2022 at Woodlawn Funeral Home.