On Wednesday, November 29, at 8:39 am, Shirley Butler, of Hermitage, TN, drew her last earthly breath. She passed peacefully, surrounded by her children and two oldest granddaughters. As the ultimate mother to the end, she waited until all her children were present before she joined the love of her life, Bob, in her Heavenly home.
Shirley is survived by her three children, Kathy Gumz of Gallatin, TN, Marc (Julie) Butler of Lebanon, TN and Karen (Brian) Slater of Hermitage, TN.; 8 grandchildren, Shannon (Dustin) Murphy, Kristyn (Caleb) Boyd, Christopher (Hillary) Slater, Austin (Heather) Slater, Aaron (Brianna) Butler, Chelsea (Chris) Croft, Cody (Katy) Butler, and Grayson (Haven) Butler; twelve great-grandchildren, Hudson Murphy, Holland Murphy, Addy Boyd, Anderson Boyd, Aiden Slater, Bennett Slater, Elliot Slater, Ryann Slater, Miles Slater, Emilia Butler, Logan Butler, and River Butler; and two sisters, Joan (Jimmy) Parnell and Linda Hudson. She is preceded in death by her soulmate and devoted husband of 59 years, Robert “Bob” Butler, and parents, David Hudson and Dona Arms Hudson.
Shirley was born on December 18, 1937, in Mt. Juliet, TN. She was the oldest of three girls and excelled at caring for others at an early age. She grew up in Mt. Juliet, attended Mt. Juliet High School, and participated in many activities and clubs, including the cheer squad. During this time, her path crossed again with Robert Butler, whom she met as a child when their families swapped houses. They fell in love and married on September 20, 1957. Her quiet, calm, and wise nature perfectly complimented his charismatic boisterous personality. The two began life together in Landstuhl, Germany, where Bob was stationed with the United States Army. It was there that their oldest child was born. After returning to America, they eventually became a family of five, a pillar of their community, and faithful members of their church, Lebanon Road Church of Christ.
Shirley worked for the United Parcel Service (UPS) for over 30 years, where her dedication to detail and strong work ethic made her a valued employee. After retirement, she kept busy caring for her aging parents, spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and helping teach the five-year-old class at church. She also enjoyed watching the Lady Vols play basketball and loved the determination and grit of their head coach, Pat Summit. She spent many summer nights with Bob in their matching recliners in front of the television, eating Butter Pecan or Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream and cheering on the Atlanta Braves.
Shirley was the epitome of strength and toughness, which helped her overcome death on two occasions, including during childbirth and when she battled and beat breast cancer. Her determination to remain for her family drove her to overcome any pain or peril and persevere. Even after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, she quietly dealt with the pain without complaint. An introvert at heart, Shirley may have been the first back to the car after church services, but she was also the first to handwrite an encouragement card for someone struggling. She had a way of seeing deep inside people and could always get through with a small smile and a soft question. She fiercely loved her family and sacrificed daily so that her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren always had what they needed and wanted. A natural peacemaker, Shirley was soft and gentle and quietly listened, all the while formulating a plan to help, which she did on countless occasions, usually anonymously, never wanting attention or anything in return. She was a “fixer,” and her intuition and inherent empathy gave her a stronghold of understanding and wisdom.
Shirley’s quiet yet mighty demeanor helped her create a legacy of love, faith, wisdom, and strength bigger than any worldly accomplishments. Her influence, kindness, and love surpassed material things and tightly wove a fabric of family, faith, and Heavenly focus.
Visitation will be on Monday, December 4, 2023, from 5 pm to 8 pm. Funeral services will be held at 2 pm on Tuesday, December 5, with two hours of visitation prior from 12 pm to 2 pm. Visitation and funeral services will be held at Hermitage Funeral Home and Memorial Garden in Old Hickory, TN. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Butler family at HermitageFH.com.
