Dr. Dorothy Hicks Butler

Born on November 26, 1939, in Jackson, Tennessee, Dorothy was the daughter of Robert Lamar Hicks and Bernice Dorothy Thomason Hicks. She was raised in Jackson alongside her brothers, Robert Lamar Hicks, Jr. and Kenneth Lamar Hicks, and her sister, Cynthia Lu Hicks.

Dorothy graduated from Jackson High School in 1957 and went on to attend Southwestern at Memphis (now Rhodes College), where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry in 1961. During her college years, she was an active member of Delta Delta Delta sorority and enthusiastically participated in intramural athletics, competing in ping pong, badminton, basketball, volleyball, and softball. Her competitive spirit remained with her throughout her life, and she especially enjoyed defeating family and friends at the ping pong table.

Dorothy continued her education at Tulane University School of Medicine, graduating in 1965. At a time when relatively few women pursued careers in medicine, Dorothy followed her calling with determination, grace, and a deep commitment to serving others. While in medical school, she met the love of her life, Richard Mason “Dick” Butler. The two were married on June 19, 1965, beginning a loving partnership that would span more than sixty-one years.

Following medical school, Dorothy completed a one-year internship at Charity Hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana, and then a two-year pediatric residency at the University of Tennessee School of Medicine in Memphis. During residency, she humorously earned the unofficial “Most Productive” Resident Award in 1967 for having a baby during each of her two years of residency.

After completing her training, Dorothy joined Memphis Children’s Clinic in September 1971, where she faithfully practiced pediatrics for forty-four years until her retirement on December 31, 2015. She loved her patients deeply and viewed medicine not merely as a profession but as a ministry. She was passionate about caring for children and encouraging parents, and she considered it a privilege to serve generations of families throughout her career. Even after retiring from formal practice, she never truly stopped being a pediatrician, continuing to offer wisdom, encouragement, and the occasional diagnosis to family, friends, and fellow church members.

Dorothy’s greatest love was her Savior, whom she faithfully and humbly served throughout her life. Her desire was to worship, serve, and fellowship with her church family whenever the doors were open. She enthusiastically participated in Bible studies, prayer groups, and community groups, and she had a special heart for serving with the Home Missions Committee at Christ Presbyterian Church, Together Ministries, and House of Grace. Those who knew Dorothy witnessed a life marked by compassion, generosity, hospitality, and steadfast faith.

Dorothy had a gift for nurturing both plants and people. She delighted in tending her flower gardens, preparing favorite meals for family and friends, and opening her home to all who entered. She and Dick enjoyed traveling together throughout the years and treasured every opportunity to make memories with family and dear friends.

Her example of Christian service, generosity toward those in need, and an intentional walk with the Lord reflected the truth of her life verse:

"By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth."

I John 3:16–18

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Lamar Hicks and Bernice Dorothy Thomason Hicks; her brothers, Robert Lamar Hicks, Jr. and Kenneth Lamar Hicks; and her sister, Cynthia Lu Hicks.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Dick Butler; her children, Debbie Butler Stump, Didi Butler Johnson, and Dick Butler, Jr. (Suzi); her grandchildren, Mason Stump, Abby Johnson Cavanaugh (Chad), Alison Johnson Sims (Jake), Samuel Johnson (Rachel), Stephen Johnson (Cami), Barrett Butler, and Miles Butler; and her great-grandchildren, Eliana Cavanaugh, Eleanor Ann Cavanaugh, Millie Johnson, Mia Johnson, and Jesse Johnson.

Dorothy’s family rejoices in the assurance that she is now in the presence of her Savior, whom she loved and served so faithfully. Her legacy lives on in the countless children she cared for, the lives she touched through her ministry and friendship, and the family she loved so dearly.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to the Christ Presbyterian Church Deacons Fund, House of Grace, or Together Ministries.