Barbara Croyle Butler

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of Barbara Croyle Butler, 83, of Houston, Texas. Barbara passed away peacefully on January 11, while surrounded by her family. Barbara, who was affectionately known as “Nonie” by her grandchildren, was born on January 6, 1942, in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania to Robert G. Croyle Sr. and Eleanor Meanor Croyle.

After graduating in 1959 from Moon High School, Moon Township Pennsylvania, she attended The College of Wooster in Wooster, Ohio. Following her college graduation, she moved to Houston with her family. Barbara worked at Foley’s Department Store, M. David Lowe Staffing and Aetna Insurance before marrying and starting her family. She later earned her Texas Educator Certificate from the University of Houston. She began her twenty-five plus year teaching career at Elsik High School and retired from teaching at Langham Creek High School. “Mrs. Butler” was an excellent teacher and was well liked and respected by her students. She worked to make Shakespeare relevant and even composed and performed a “Macbeth Rap” for her students to enjoy and remember. Barbara cherished her teacher friends from both schools and gathered with them on many occasions. She also enjoyed celebrating birthdays with her birthday group.

Barbara loved being with her grandchildren and supporting them in their activities. She loved the beach, Jeopardy, Bingo, Wordle, movies and live theater. She was in the cast of several Theatre Under the Stars productions. She was happiest reading and participated in two AAUW Book Clubs. Barbara loved music and used her talent to sing in Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church’s choir and to ring in the handbell choirs of MDPC and St. Andrews Presbyterian Church. Her choir and bell groups were very special to her, and she enjoyed playing bells several times in the celebration of “Dickens on the Strand” in Galveston. She was a member of Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church for many years and was honored to serve there as an Elder.

Barbara is survived by her children, Brandy Butler Jeffries and husband Scott of Katy, Texas and Frederick Paige Butler III of Houston. She leaves behind two grandchildren, Sarah Eleanor Jeffries and

Matthew Steven Jeffries, both of Houston. Also surviving Barbara are her two brothers, Robert G. Croyle, Jr., and wife, Ann, of Houston, and Philip H. Croyle and wife, Edana, of Waco, Texas. She is also survived by her nieces and nephew, their families and numerous cousins.

A Celebration of Barbara Butler’s life will be held on Friday, February 7, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. The service will take place in the Chapel of Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church, 11612 Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77024.

Barbara lived a life full of fun, kindness, and an unwavering grit to never give up fighting no matter the odds. Though her presence will be deeply missed, her legacy of friendliness will endure in the hearts of those who knew her.

The family sincerely thanks Dr. Dejke Araujo and her team at MD Anderson for their years of caring for Barbara. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center and designated “For Dr. Dejka Araujo’s Synovial Sarcoma Research”. Contributions should be directed to: Dr. Dejke Araujo, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Unit 450, PO Box 301402, Houston, TX 77230-1402, or the charity of your choice.