Valerie Lynnette Butler

Valerie Lynnette Butler, 63, of Oakland, California, passed away suddenly on September 18, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Valerie was born in Oakland on August 31, 1963, to her loving parents, Charles H. Butler Sr. and Agnes (Angie B.) V. Benjamin.

Valerie was a beloved daughter, sister, niece, aunt, cousin, and friend. Mr. Butler taught Valerie the importance of having a very strong relationship with God and how that relationship relates to living correctly, treating others with respect, and showing unconditional love to everyone. These were values she carried with her throughout her life. As Valerie grew older, she began to understand how important it was to get baptized and live her life according to the Bible. She read her Bible more to become more knowledgeable of God’s holy word. Through this, she decided to make the transition and get baptized. Although she was not perfect, she made a commitment in her heart to move forward, serve God, and receive Him as her Savior and King. She attended Sunday services with dedication and commitment. She was determined to put her spiritual life in order, and she truly enjoyed serving the Most High God. Valerie was instrumental in her participation through the American Red Cross Organ Donors. She facilitated sign-ups for organ donors and was a keynote speaker for organ donor participants. She was also a co-host for a radio station in San Francisco as part of the American Red Cross. She enjoyed the arts and was cast in the production of The Wiz with the Black Repertory Group. She was an avid reader and collector of historical

documents and books. She was the family historian. Valerie was the center of everyone’s world. She loved being around family, laughing, singing, dancing, and having one-on-one

conversations where she would give you the raw and uncut truth. Valerie was a strong-willed person—fearless, loving, loyal, brilliant, and creative. She never felt stopped by any challenges, whether in her projects or by being supportive to her family

and in her community. Valerie’s heart was a very generous one. She was the most giving person you would know. She was a strong advocate for the Give Life, Save Life organization and the sickle cell community. She really cared about others. She was

selfless and put others’ happiness before her own. Valerie was a natural caregiver, caring for everyone around her, especially her grandmother, her auntie, and her best friend, who was her dad, Mr. Butler.

Valerie attended elementary school in Oakland and went to Berkeley High but transferred as a senior to Hayward High, where she graduated. After high school, her determination in education took her to Laney College and then off to the University of

San Francisco, where she graduated and received her bachelor’s degree in Science and Art. Valerie worked for many years as a manager at Pacific Bell, where she retired early. She then went off and found a love for teaching children in the special education field.

Valerie is survived by her four sisters: Tina Newton, India Coleman, Erica Coleman-Goudeau (Papa), and Ann Butler. She is also survived by two aunts, NobleLee and Patricia Benjamin; five nephews, Koleon, Kendrick, Teandre, Torry, and Khalil; and

five nieces, Angiela, Chezriel, Eriel, Lauryn, and Khaleesi, all of whom she loved as if they were her very own children. She also leaves behind her lifelong soul sisters, Annette, Rochelle, and April.

Valerie was preceded in death by her parents, Charles H. Butler Sr. and Agnes (Angie B.) V. Benjamin; her brother, Charles H. Butler Jr.; and her grandparents, Hattie Sanders, William Archibald Benjamin, and Reydonia Benjamin. She was also preceded in death by her aunts Wafer Theus, Kathryn Butler, Christine Butler, and Barbara Young; her uncles Howard Butler, William Benjamin, and Tony Benjamin; and her cousins Kevin Turk, Mario Toliver, Purcell Diston Jr., Deonna Diston, Monique Theus, and Anntinique Calton. We find comfort in knowing that she dedicated her heart to God, and we will continue to honor her memory by carrying her love and lessons with

us every day.

Rest in Love, Valerie Lynnette Butler.

You will forever be loved and deeply missed.

May you rest peacefully in the loving arms of our Heavenly Father

Visitation will be held on October 23, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Visitation will be held at C. P. Bannon Mortuary, 6800 International Blvd, Oakland, CA 94621, US, on October 23, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will be held on, Saturday October 24, 2026, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.

The Funeral Service will be held at C. P. Bannon Mortuary, 6800 International Blvd, Oakland, CA 94621, US, on October 24, 2026, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Burial will take place on, Saturday October 24, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm. A Committal Service will be held at Rolling Hills Memorial Park, 4100 Hilltop Dr, Richmond, CA 94803,