Lois Butler Obituary

It was eleven years ago that my friend Lois transitioned to be with the ancestors. Lois was a dear friend and colleague. We traveled together and roomed together at many conferences through the years as we worked to reform urban education. It was always a joy to be in her company. I miss my dear friend and think of her often.

Dear Ma -

Happy Birthday!!!! Another year without you. We think about you all the time. We love and miss you Ma. I hope that your hear our prayers and celebrations of you. Love you ma. Happy Birthday!!!!

I have been missing you ... I do not believe I will ever stop. I wanted to talk to you so badly the other day; in fact, there are many days that I desire to converse with you. My life has been interesting indeed. If only we could share words ... if only. I continue to lift up your family in prayer. May they be strengthened, encouraged, and kept by God's grace for a lifetime.
Love you Mrs.'B' indubitably,
Keisha L. Williams

Always in my heart!

Happy Mother's Day Ma! i am thinking about you all the time. Really missing you and the times we shared. Love you Ma, and miss you!!! Love, Teri

Happy Mother's Day Ma! We miss you terribly today and always. We will never forget your love for us! Love, Teri

Dear Ma -

Its been 5 years, and I can't believe it. We miss you each and every day. We remember you today and always! Love you Ma!

Love, Teri

sorry i had a typo in my previous submission i said 4th year i meant 5th year of your passing.

Regalia BoClair James

It's approaching the 4th yr of your passing and I'm truly missing you. I miss hearing you say "hey Ms. Gail", your warm smile and open arms. Continue to rest in hope of a brighter day ahead. You would be so proud of my daughters they are both in college and if they pledge they must choose Alpha Kappa Alpha in honor of your memory.
In the words of the late, great Whitney Houston "I'll Always Love You".
Regalia BoClair James
Harlan Class of 83

Mrs. 'B',
In reflecting on just how much of a blessing you were to me in my life, I am greatly overjoyed that God allowed for our lives to interact. In so many ways you have sown seeds that are growing up into everlasting life. You knew just how to remind me of the Great Factor, the True Factor--God, and I am ever so grateful. I love you undeniably and I will always cherish you; for you are a part of me now and forever. If only words could adequately express my sentiments ... if only.
Your student,
Elder Keisha L. Williams

Happy Mother's Day, Ma! We miss you and you forever live on in our hearts. Love, Teri

Ma, you are forever in my heart. I still find myself reaching for the phone to call,then i realize that you are gone. Thanks for always sharing your love,wisdom, warm smile and awesome hugs with me. I always enjoyed our girl talk,the meals that we shared and the times we shared while you were hospitalized also how shocked you were when my daughter came to visit you. I remembered how proud i was the very first time you held my son you looked at him like he was your own or the day i was hired at Honeywell Federal Systems when i resided in Los Angeles also the day i was married and as i came down the isle there you were beaming with pride. Im going to stop at this point before the tears start to fall. I thank you for allowing me to help take care of you. I will always love you because i looked to you for strength and courage. May the MOST HIGH GOD have mercy. My prayers and thoughts are still with the Butler Family

Harlan Class of 1983

Ma, you are forever in my heart. I still find myself reaching for the phone to call,then i realize that you are gone. Thanks for always sharing your love,wisdom, warm smile and awesome hugs with me. I always enjoyed our girl talk,the meals that we shared and the times we shared while you were hospitalized also how shocked you were when my daughter came to visit you. I remembered how proud i was the very first time you held my son you looked at him like he was your own or the day i was hired at Honeywell Federal Systems when i resided in Los Angeles also the day i was married and as i came down the isle there you were beaming with pride. Im going to stop at this point before the tears start to fall. I thank you for allowing me to help take care of you. I will always love you because i looked to you for strength and courage. May the MOST HIGH GOD have mercy. My prayers and thoughts are still with the Butler Family

Harlan Class of 1983

Mrs. 'B'
Your birthday was yesterday. I missed you then as I miss you now. Oh, how I long to talk with you ... I probably always will long for your sweet wisdom and your encouraging spirit. And yet, I talk to you anyway. I may not be able to tangibly embrace you, but the love we shared still lives on in me. I miss you ever so much. You were the essence of beauty, a beautiful soul to behold; I thank God my redeemer for allowing us to connect. Love you indubitably and forever.

Dear Ma,

We have been thinking of you and celebrating you all week! Happy Birthday! I miss our loving conversations and the incredible wisdom you always bestowed on me. You were/are special, and I know we were all so blessed to have had you in our lives. Continue to watch over us from above.

Love,

Cheryl

Happy Birthday Ma! I love you and miss you everyday. We All
remember you on this day - always!:)
Love, Teri

Well, it has been a while since Mrs. 'B' transcended from this earthly place. All I know is that she is with me always. While I am living my own journey, I often consider pensively our dialogue. Our conversation was never-ending; it was one continuous process of thought. Mrs. 'B' was one of my greatest challengers and motivators, and I can truly say that she helped to make me who I am today. Because of her, I know how to think ... Because of her, I will continue to use what she helped me to develop to live in the earth as God designed me to do. I could go on and on talking about just how valuable Mrs 'B' was and still is to me, but time nor space will allow.
Lastly, I think about just how much I miss Mrs. 'B' and just how much she meant to me and it prompts me to lift her children and family to God in prayer. Although she has given up her earthly house, she lives in all of those who will never forget her and the legacy she left in each of us. Mrs. 'B' was my teacher, my mentor, my "angel" and my friend.
I will love you always Mrs. 'B' and you will always be a part of every lesson I teach. Thank you so much for having, on me, the impact that you did--absolutely a gift that could not be bought or earned. God knew what He was doing when He allowed our paths to cross, meet, encounter, and connect, and I will be eternally grateful. Muah, Keisha L. Williams

Happy Mother's Day, Ma! I am so blessed to have had such a kind, loving, and beautiful mother. You continue to be an amazing role model and a tremendous inspiration in my life. Memories are a gift: shopping downtown, talking over tea, indulging in burgers and girl talk in the car . God bless you on this special day, my angel in the sky! I hope I can be a wonderful mother to Jia as you were to me! Jiana misses her "NaNa." I love you! Cheryl

Dear Lois: It hasw been two years, now, since you left us. We miss you even more, as time goes by. You were, and are, the Love of my life, and you will live, forever, in my heart. I think of you every day, and sometimes, the memories are almost overwhelming, but I go on, knowing that we will meet again, and that we will be together forever. I love you and miss you. Gerald

Dear Ma,
I love you & miss you every day, we all do. I thank God for allowing me to be your son.

love,

Gerry

Dear Ma -
I miss you everyday. I love you and I thank you for the spirit which shines in me today. Until we meet again ... Love,Teri

To My Loving Mother on the 2 Year Anniversary of Your Passing,

I still gaze upon your picture, Ma, perched atop the mantle in my living room and thumb through a picture book of memories in my mind of our blessed years together: shopping at Marshall Fields downtown Chicago bags in hand, wind scraping against our faces; devouring burgers in the car over afternoon girl talk; makeshift beauty shop alongside the kitchen stove late night. Friends and sstrangers always boasted your physical beauty, but they could not have known the depth of your beauty within. You were so loving, so kind, so generous, a role model to your children and to so many surrogate children in the community. The hole in my heart in your absence is cavernous and grows deeper with time. I miss you, Ma, and crave your enlivening arms-wide-open embrace at the front door. Until we meet again...

Lovingly,

Cheryl

Mrs. "B" is what I often called Mrs. Butler. She was my teacher and in many ways my mentor. I miss her terribly and often wish I could have a conversation with her. Mrs. "B" taught me so much about "the journey," and I am so very grateful for that seed she planted in me. In fact, I couldn't begin to tell of all the wonderful nuggets she gave me. She was my teacher, my friend, my mentor, and my angel on earth--what a true beauty. God always knows just who to send to whom; I thank Him always, even now I thank Him for Mrs. "B's" gift to me. I am learning to embrace my journey fully. -klw- C.V.S. c/o 94

Dear Lois...God knows how much I miss you. You were a dear friend for many years. We battled and overcame many challenging situations in the years we worked together. I am glad to know you have transitioned to a better place. Know that I love you and miss you. Camilla

I was thinking of Mrs. Butler and thought I would "google" her to see if I could find her contact information. I am saddened to see that she passed away. However, I am so glad to know that she is with the LORD and that I will have the opportunity to see her again in glory. The LORD certainly used her in my life and education. I only wished I had tried to keep in touch with her. The family shall be in my prayers.

Sincerely,
Charese A. Jackson
Chicago Vocational, '95

My mother was the most loving woman I have known. I am so proud to be her daughter. She taught us humility and kindness and selflessness. She was a committed mother, wife, grandmother, teacher, and friend. I miss her to the core. As others have said, she was beautiful from the inside out, and I will cherish her memory always. Her spirit lives...

Mrs Butler taught me how to act and look professional that I carried with me throughout my adulthood. From watching her at CVS and teaching her class how to dress appropriate for an interview help me land a career at the Chicago Stock Exchange Trading Floor. My boss would compliment me for dressing professional and encourage fellow co-workers and I would say I owe it all to Mrs. Butler. She inspired me to be and look professional. I met her son and he supported an event I was involved in, just because I said I know his mom. She was truly a gem and glad she was my teacher. Ametra Gibson Self

Mrs. Butler is a kind and generous soul whose memory will live on forever in the hearts and minds of all those she touched.
My testimony:
I flew into Chicago from the hot and humid south without a stitch of winter clothes. When she picked me up from the airport, she didn't give me the coat (fur) off her back but she did one better: she drove directly through the cold and windy city (with snow tires on to fight the slippery, snowy streets) to a clothing store where she purchased two winter coats for me. I kept those coats so long the lining had to be restitched into them.
My condolences to the entire family, thanks for sharing your Mom with me.
LFD

Mrs. Butler was my Information Word Processing Teacher at Chicago Vocational High School. Through her inspirational teaching, I began my own small buisness by producing my own greeting cards, buisness card, obituaries, resumes, etc. She was truly a great teacher and confidant. I will miss her dearly. My prayers are with her family during their time of bereavement. God will be your comforter so lean on him.

Lois was a wonderful person who made a difference in each life she touched. Our prayers are with the entire Butler family during this difficult time.

A Reading About Lois
There will never be another Lois Crim. She was the heart and the soul of our family, and our family will never be the same. I loved her dearly. Our children adored her. Our grandchildren revered her. She was a woman of strong faith and high ideals. Lois and I were married for 52 years, and for 52 years, she was a loving, compassionate woman who dedicated her life to helping others. She made a powerful contribution to the world.
In facing death, Lois was an incredibly Brave, Beautiful woman who fought a long, courageous, and inspirational battle against a relentless foe. Despite the pain and suffering, Lois never complained, she never whimpered, she never asked, why me.
In life, she always exuded dignity, class, and impeccable taste. She loved a beautiful setting, atmosphere, ambience. And so, my memories of her must include… long walks in the evening among the strollers and the lovers in Barcelona, a quiet visit in the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris, the glorious daily sunsets from our balcony overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Redondo Beach; listening to great music in August at Newport on the Atlantic, or parasailing together over Acapulco Bay.
Those are but some of the wonderful memories that I will carry with me. So now, Lois is in Heaven, and I am, God willing, looking forward to joining her in the not too distant future, and we will be together forever. May God bless her soul, and may God bless all of us.

A Reading About Lois

There will never be another Lois Crim. She was the heart and the soul of our family, and our family will never be the same. I loved her dearly. Our children adored her. Our grandchildren revered her. She was a woman of strong faith and high ideals. Lois and I were married for 52 years, and for 52 years, she was a loving, compassionate woman who dedicated her life to helping others. She made a powerful contribution to the world.
In facing death, Lois was an incredibly Brave, Beautiful woman who fought a long, courageous, and inspirational battle against a relentless foe. Despite the pain and suffering, Lois never complained, she never whimpered, she never asked, why me.
In life, she always exuded dignity, class, and impeccable taste. She loved a beautiful setting, atmosphere, ambience. And so, my memories of her must include… long walks in the evening among the strollers and the lovers in Barcelona, a quiet visit in the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris, the glorious daily sunsets from our balcony overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Redondo Beach; listening to great music in August at Newport on the Atlantic, or parasailing together over Acapulco Bay.
Those are but some of the wonderful memories that I will carry with me. So now, Lois is in Heaven, and I am, God willing, looking forward to joining her in the not too distant future, and we will be together forever. May God bless her soul, and may God bless all of us.

Gerald

Ms. Lois was one of the most beautiful women I've ever had the opportunity of knowing. She was like an aunt to me, and I truly admired everything about her. She was a dear friend to my mom, Wanda, and will be deeply missed.

My condolences are with the Butler Family at this time. Mrs. Butler was an inspiration to me as many other students at CVS. She was a great business teacher and helped me get my career started in this path called life. I give thanks to her for providing lasting essentials that have allowed me to the be successful woman that I am today. You will truly be misssed. One of God's angels...for sure...RIP...

My condolences are with the Butler Family at this time. Mrs. Butler was an inspiration to me as many other students at CVS. She was a great business teacher and helped me get my career started in this path called life. I give thanks to her for providing lasting essentials that have allowed me to the be successful woman that I am today. You will truly be misssed. One of God's angels...for sure...RIP...

Butler Family my prayers are with you at this time. Mrs. Butler was an awesome inspiration to me and other Cavaliers. She was someone who opened my eyes to the possiblities of the world and I appreciated her as person, teacher and colleague. Thank you for sharing.

I am glad I had the chance to meet you at CVS, the small things you said to me meant a lot, thanks very much for the little things they did mean so much to me. My condolences to your family.

Certain people in life make a lasting impression. Mrs. Butler was one of them for me. One helluva business teacher and mentor who got me my very first office job. She was one of those women you couldn’t help but admire and aspire to be. Intelligent, confident, aggressive and strong yet maintained her feminine swag and class. It was a privilege to have known you! My condolences to her family.

I first met Mrs Butler when I was assigned to Harlan High School in 1972. She was an excellent role model for this beginning teacher and was admired and respected by colleagues and students alike. Many years later, after we had both moved on to other schools, I would see her from time to time and she was always just as gracious and elegant as she was when we first met. I know she affected many lives and will be remembered with love and appreciation. Our condolences to all of her family and friends.

I was a student of her's at Harlan High("77")She was one of the nicest,sweetest, and caring teacher's there.To her family I will keep you lifted up to the Lord in prayer.

My condolence goes out to her family and friends.

I had the extreme pleasure of not only being taught by Lois, but also she was my colleague at Harlan H.S.

As a student, Lois went beyond being a business teacher, by showing relationships of the course being taught to the real working world. She took the time to instill high expectations and goals for each of her students.

Lois was trully a pioneer back in the 60's when the concept of teaching individuality was never heard of. Teaching then was always a large group teaching method. By teaching individuality, she brought meaning and purpose to her classes. All of her students in her classes bend backwards in trying to meet and live up to her expectations and goals.

As a role model, Lois took those values and instilled that upon each of us. In short, "never give up....keep trying until you reach your desired outcomes." She always lit-up (being very dynamic, expressive, positive-never negative) to all of her classes. She really cared for each of us. Even though, we had division (homeroom) teachers and couselors to help, guide and advise us, many of us still went to her for advice.

As a colleague, she was always enthusiastic, determined and dedicated, to making her business department and the school to be the very best in Chicagoland area.

She was truly a teacher's teacher and very talented in devoting her life to education. It is impossible to list, the many accomplishments that Lois had achieved as well as to the many teachers and students that she served (in the thousands) that have been very successful due to her.

Larry Pinsky

Lois Butler was one of the most beautiful people I have ever known. She was not only a stunning beauty but a kind and warmhearted person. Her involvement with Jack and Jill made our social service work fun. As a neighbor, she was an asset to all our well being. My love goes out to Dr. Butler, Gerry, Teri and Cheryl and their families. She will be missed.

Lois was my mother in Critical Friendship, a constant encourager of my faith, my work, my parenting and my leadership. She insisted she saw a spark in me from the beginning and although years would pass between chances to see each other, it was always as if we had never left. Lois fiercely insisted that ALL children deserve to learn in creative, welcoming schools and she poured herself out for those children for many years. I will miss that twinkle in your eye, Lois, until we are together once again to laugh and cry together.

I didn't have the pleasure of knowing or being taught by Mrs. Butler but after reading this Obituary...she obviously was the quality of educator that made a great deal of my homeboys and homegirls the Brilliant people they are today and not that CPS doesn't have any teachers of this magnitude today but our precious children could use as many as possible for this BIG job of educating OUR FUTURE...WOW she taught at some GREAT ChiTown schools...Carver, Marshall, Harlan, and CVS...not to mention she was obviously a Doll (inside and out). May your soul Rest in Peace and may your family's hearts be comforted my the Almighty. SmcNuckles

With deep sadness I learned of the passing of Mrs. Butler. She instructed me in Typing at Harlan HS and was instrumental in me getting my very first job after High School with the Social Security Administration. I send out prayers to her family. She has graced us with her beauty both inside and out.

Truth is the eye of the storm, and
Lois Butler was nothing but a mere raindrop, looking for a fertile place to fall. A poet, who spoke to the deaf. A scribe, whose ledger was the wind. A rainbow, in the mind of the blind. Now that she has crossed the Rubicon (the point of no return), our wishes for her are for nothing but BLUE SKIES & GREEN LIGHTS.

Much LOVE to the Gerald Butler Family.

Arto & Syvilla Woods

God Bless and Comfort your family as you cherish the precious soul of Mrs. Butler. She was our Class Advisor for Harlan High School's Class of 1977. We all loved her!

I worked with Lois in some very hard school districts - trying to get small schools to work (sometimes where people didn't want them). I will always remember Lois as an inspiration.

From my point of view she was always working to build God's Kingdom here on earth - in schools, in meetings, with children and with adults. In so many ways, I saw her bring the Holy Spirit with her wherever she worked. I saw Lois soften hearts that had been hardened, and tell righteous truths to people in denial. She taught me much about how to do all that with grace.

May God bless you all and comfort you now and in the coming days. You are in my prayers.

I will never forget Mrs. Butler. As an advanced typing teacher at Harlan HS, she helped me land my very first job as a typist. To the family: May you be blessed with the peace and comfort that only God can give! She was a remarkable lady and her life speaks volumes! Thank you for sharing her story.

Aunt Lois was an angel on earth long before she has become one in heaven. I remember when my family and I returned to the Chicago area over 25 years ago she was their to help us and me find our way and get us adjusted after living on the east coast for 10 years. She was always there for me for advice and comforting when I was going through the difficult years of high school and opened up her home to me when I would come through town in college. If everyone had an Aunt Lois in their life, this world would be 100 times better. I will always love and miss my Aunt Lois.

My deepest sympathy and earnest condolences to the Butler family. Mrs. "B" was my former teacher at C.V.S. She changed my life and taught me so much about "the journey." She was my mentor, confidant, teacher, and friend--my angel on earth. So much to say but so little space; therefore, I send prayers up to God for your peace, consolation, and strength. The "journey" continues still... With love, -klw-

My deepest condolences goes out to the Dr. Butler and Familly.
Mrs. L.Butler was a great mentor to me (Thera)and so many of Students at Harlan High in 1980-1981. Mrs. Butler were Business,CWT, and a Typing Teacher during the expansion of Harlan. Her gentle guidance helped form many Students. She will be greatly missed but be within me as well all who knew her until we see her again.
From Thera Williams and Family

My deepest sympathy and earnest condolences to the Butler family. Mrs. Butler was my former teacher, mentor, confidant, and friend. I lift up prayers for your strength and comfort. The journey continues still...

Deepest Condolences. May God bless and keep you always. From the Henry family of Mound City, Illinois.

I knew Lois through with with NSRF - she was deeply and passionately committed to making urban schools better and more equitable for the students in those schools. She was funny, stubborn, honest and always engaged. What a gift and an inspiration she was to all of us who got to see her in action. I'm sorry for all of our loss.

My sincere condolences to Mrs. Butler's Family! Mrs. Butler was one of my teachers at Harlan High School (Class of 1981) and was truly an inspiration to me as a young women growing up. She had a beautiful spirit and was a beautiful human being.

I first met Lois my freshman year at SIU when at the time she was an upper classman.
She was a class act...beautiful in every way. I recall that she always greeted me with a kind word and a warm, engaging smile.

My sincere condolences to the Butler family, and to all who knew and loved her. May God bless and comfort you at this difficult time and in the days ahead.
And may the memories of this life, well lived, sustain you.

Mary Nicholson Grice
Mendota Heights, MN

Giving love to Lois, Gerald and the entire Butler Family.

LeeRoy & Mattie Wallace, Peoria, Illinois

November 14, 2010
Pure and open heart are the words that jump to my mind when I think about Lois. Lois was a dear colleague, an inspiration, a constant support, and a guide in my work and my life. Through my work with her in small schools, Critical Friends, racial equity work, and urban schools, Lois was deeply committed to her work, her colleagues, and students across this country. I loved Lois dearly and she will continue to guide and inspire my work.

Dear Gerald,
You have our greatest sympathy for your loss of Lois. She was a very beautiful person. Her beauty was not merely skin deep. She was beutiful inside and outside.

Lois was one of my beloveds. We were dear friends for more than 50 years, and I am deeply grieved. Her husband Dr. Gerald Butler and I have been Kappa Brothers and great friends since our umdergraduate days at Texas College. Lois Crim Butler was an outstanding teacher and administrator as well as an important national consultant to improve the education of America's children.
Lois' physical and inner beauty gave warmth and comfort to all who knew her.
I will deeply miss my friend Lois. I extend solace and condolences to her family.

We will always be grateful for the way Aunt Lois invited us into the family circle. Even after our long absences away she made sure we felt welcomed and loved upon our return. She was so gracious, kind and generous...we will miss her.

Lois was a courageous educator. We worked together both in Chicago and at Brown University. I know that Lois's colleagues in Chicago will miss her dearly. She was dedicated to her students and knew how to challenge and support both students and colleagues.

I am saddened to learn that Lois has passed. We met while students at SIU, Carbondale. She was voted Kappa Alpha Mu Photo Club's Calendar girl one year and I was elected the following year. Lois was a delight and my prayers go to her family and loved ones.
May you all find comfort knowing: "To live in the hearts left behind, is not to die."--George P. Morris

To Dr. Butler and Family,
Word cannot begin to express what my heart feels at this moment I share in your loss. "Ma" you were and will forever be my inspiration, for 27 years we have shared tears, laughter, and life lessons my heart hurts but I take comfort in knowing that I had the chance to take care of you and tell you what you meant to me. I loved you like a mother and I will miss hearing you say "Hey Miss Gail" God knows best and you don't have to suffer anymore. You have fought a good fight R.I.P.
To the entire Butler Family, Lois was a great woman thank you for sharing her with me. May God Bless you and keep you.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

I knew Lois through her work in the small schools movement. She was easy to look up to and easy to be friends with - strong, smart and a lovely soul.

My Aunt Lois was a special human being. Her spirit could light up a room. I enjoyed our conversations especially her advice. I'll never forget how she drove 4 hours to Mount Vernon, IL to support me when I was having trouble with my student teaching experience in '92. Her calming words helped me ultimately turn a negative into a positive. She touched everyone she knew and my heart won't be the same without her.

Lois was a cherished friend, a confidant, a colleague, and an elegant woman with a generous and forgiving heart. Lois, you and I shared much laughter, countless hours of shopping and many miles of travel as we worked together on many projects, attended many conferences and co-facilitated many Critical Friends Group trainings. You were a spiritual guide and a phenomenal woman. My heart is heavy. To say I will miss you is an understatement. Camilla Greene (Allentown, PA)

Lois was a great educator. We worked together in the early small schools movement where she did path-breaking work from coast to coast, in the field of teacher education and collaboration. Lois was also a great, caring, giving person and friend who always had a good work to say. She will be missed by all who knew her and worked with her.

This candle is being lit for one of the nicest and sweetest persons in the world. Lois was a friend to my sister Letha Mae Caldwell Crider and I.