Allie Elizabeth Butler

Retired educator Allie Elizabeth Christian Butler, 94, died peacefully September 11, 2016. The eldest of five children, she was born May 31, 1922, to John Robert Christian and Elizabeth Smartt Dalton Christian in Chase, Alabama.

Allie was predeceased by: her husband of 70 years, John Craig Butler Sr.; her parents; siblings E.L. (Bill) Christian, Bonnie Gaither; and son Robert James Butler.

Allie worked for the War Shipping Administration during the summer of 1944. After her marriage to John Butler in late 1944, she taught airplane mechanics for the U.S. Air Force at Keesler Field in Biloxi, Mississippi, for two years. Allie taught private piano lessons before returning to classrooms in Cullman (West Elementary) and Decatur. She taught sixth grade at Walter Jackson Elementary School for six years, then transferred to Austin High School, where she taught English until her retirement in 1986.

Allie was the mother of three children, four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren with two more on the way. Her greatest joy came from seeing accomplishments of her offspring.

Mrs. Butler is survived by: a son, John Craig Butler Jr. (Elaine) of Sugar Land, Texas, and one daughter, Elizabeth Robinson (Bill) of Richmond, Kentucky. She is also survived by a brother, Robert Dalton Christian (Ann) of Gallatin, Tennessee, and a sister, Jessie Word, of Pelham. Also surviving are grandsons John Craig Butler III (Tasha) of Austin, Texas, and children, Jordan, Jillian and Joanna; and Kevin Butler (Erica) and daughters, Mason, West and Finn, of Austin, Texas; granddaughters Emily Sambrook (Everett) of Georgetown, Kentucky, and Paige Robinson of Indianapolis, Indiana. Other close relatives are Catherine Word, David and Jim Christian of Birmingham; Jeanne Gaither of Talladega, David and Reese Butler of Huntsville, Allen and Debbie Butler of New Hope, and Robert and Shirley Christian of Huntsville.

Contributions are suggested to the Robert James Butler Memorial Scholarship Fund, College of Music, c/o Auburn University Foundation; 317 South College St, Auburn, AL 36849 or Decatur First Baptist Building Fund, 123 Church Street NE, Decatur, AL 35601.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, September 14, at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Decatur, Stephenson Chapel with Bro. Roger Jenkins officiating. Visitation will be held prior at 9 a.m.