Melissa Claudette Butler

Melissa Claudette Butler was born March 25, 1966, in Kilgore, TX. She was the third of four children born to Clifford Eugene Meyer and Mary Katherine Deshazer, and she considered her Aunt Dorothy and Uncle Kenneth to be her second set of parents. She was exceptionally close to her sisters Theresa and Donna, her brother Wesley, and her cousin Dana, who she considered her sister.

Even as a kid growing up in east Texas, Melissa was the definition of a go-getter. She had high standards for herself and achieved everything she set her mind to despite the hardships of her upbringing. College was just one example: She received scholarships to study at Baylor University, but she sometimes had to choose between books and food. Upon graduation, she landed her first job at a Big 8 public accounting firm and quickly passed the CPA exam. Her hard work, drive, and sacrifice had paid off.

She met her future husband, Brett, in 1989, and their love story unfolded between California and Dallas, then California and Georgia. She finally moved to California, where she worked for Disney, igniting her love of international travel working in other countries for weeks at a time. Brett joined her in Australia to propose, and she said yes atop the Sydney tower.

After they married, Melissa found her next great calling as a mother to Garrett, Cole and Abbie. She was involved in just about every school and social activity and rarely missed a game. She went from running school fundraisers to volunteering in the administrative office to becoming the chief financial officer of her children’s school.

She loved people – especially her friends. She never lost sight of how difficult her childhood was, and she loved to help others whether it was a gift basket for someone in need or cooking each week for the Charlie Center.

Her friends and family will miss her selfless, giving, and empathetic nature. She was always quick to slip a $20 to her kids; she loved talking about books, art, and culture; she was always the best-dressed person in the room with a fabulous head of hair rivaled only by Julia Roberts. She was a good listener and met people where they were with great intention – when you talked to Melissa, you came away from that conversation feeling truly heard.

Melissa was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Theresa Bagwell. She is survived by her loving family: Her husband, Brett Butler; children, Garrett Butler (Olivia), Cole Butler, and Abbie Butler; siblings Wesley Meyer (Roni) and Donna Barry (Carlton).

Nothing is necessary but if you desire, the family requests that, in lieu of flowers, you consider a donation to the Charlie Center.

The Charlie Center is a navigation center in Northwest Austin, serving over 450 people experiencing homelessness each week. The Charlie Center meets basic needs with meals, showers, and medical care. Homeless clients work with the navigation team to access benefits and a state ID. This stability helps prepare them for employment and housing opportunities. The Charlie Center has moved over 300 people off the streets and into permanent homes.

Melissa loved preparing meals and collecting donations for The Charlie Center. Her compassion, kindness, and generous spirit will be missed by many.