Dorothy Mae Butler

Dorothy Mae Butler was born on January 31, 1936, in Gum Springs, Arkansas, to Jay Lee and Elnora (Anderson) Tate. She was the seventh of fourteen children born to their union.

After moving to Portland, Oregon, with her young daughter, LaFrances, in the 1960s, Dorothy began attending Metropolitan Church of God (later Maranatha Church), where she met her husband, Cleophus Butler. They were married in 1965. From this marriage came three more children: Eleanor, Timothy, and Katrina. A devoted wife and mother, Dorothy encouraged and supported her children’s various interests and kept the family well-fed with home-cooked meals and baked goods. Dorothy and Cleophus were married for thirty-two years, until his death in 1997.

Dorothy developed a love of singing at a young age with the encouragement of her father. In Portland, she honed her vocal talents under the tutelage of Helen Oakley and used this gift to minister at churches around Oregon, on tour at colleges and universities around the country, and as the host and organizer of an annual Black History Month program in her local community. She was also a member of The Monday Musical Club of Portland.

At Maranatha Church, Dorothy established a scholarship for college-bound youth, which she funded by selling home-baked goods. The proceeds were awarded at an annual scholarship banquet held at the church, which she coordinated.

In addition to her musical gifting, Dorothy was a gardener, seamstress, and craftswoman. She hand-sewed tote bags, pillowcases, quilts, dresses (for her performances), and created button jewelry, which she sold at holiday bazaars and gift shops. She generously gifted her creations to family and friends.

Never one to keep still, Dorothy kept herself busy in her senior years picking up food donations for senior centers and as a member of the Red Hat Society. She enjoyed attending events in which her grandchildren were involved, berry picking at U-pick sites in the summer, and hosting family dinners.

Dorothy will be remembered for her beautiful voice, fashionable attire, unapologetic frankness, and her radiant smile.

Dorothy leaves to cherish her memory her four children: LaFrances Newborn (Quincy), Mill Creek, Arkansas; Eleanor Butler, Arlington, Texas; Timothy Butler (Helen), Tigard, Oregon; and Katrina Freeman (Dennis), Bellflower, California; ten grandchildren: Margo, Van, Adrain, Tiffany, Donovan, Brook, Jocelyn, Daniel, Caleb, and Alexis; six great-grandchildren: Kayla, Raven, Quincy, Savannah, Xavier, and Jitendra; five great-great-grandchildren; Korbyn, Indei, Avonni, Skylon, and Samara; three sisters: Laura, Gertha Lee, Elverna; one brother (Donald); and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

A funeral for Dorothy will be held on Friday, August 1, 2025, at 11:00, followed by a graveside service at 1:00 PM and a reception at 2:00 pm.

All events will take place at Skyline Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 4101 NW Skyline Blvd., Portland, OR 97229.