Louise Ivey Butler

Louise Ivey Butler entered her eternal reward on January 2, 2025. She was welcomed by her husband, Wadis Page Butler and their dog Buddy. Joining in the celebration were her beloved family Vance Jr. & Clarice Butler, and Lucille & Vernon Brown. Many other family and friends were there to join the celebration to include her father, Levy Ivey; mother, Maggie Ivey and brother, Jasper Ivey. Louise will be holding her Sunday school class in heaven just as she did on earth. I’m sure her fellow teacher Jay King has been faithfully teaching while she was still on earth. Together with all their members, the class reunion today was great indeed.

Louise was born on February 12, 1940 in Rowland NC. It was there she was raised on a farm and often remembered working in tobacco. She also starting teaching Sunday School there when she was 10 years old. She was born to be a teacher. Louise was a faithful servant to Dublin First Baptist Church for over 50 years. She was a choir member, WMU Director, Sunday School teacher, Hospitality Committee member, Day school committee member, nomination committee member, VBS instructor and the list continues. One of her favorite things was hosting the annual choir Christmas party in which her shrimp and grits were always requested to be on the menu. She often acted as the “town” doctor because many people would call her for medical advice. She graduated from Pembroke College (now University with a BS Degree in Science and went on to continue her education in Medical Laboratory Science at Hackney Hospital School of Medical Technology in Muskegon, Michigan. She established the Medical Laboratory Program at Bladen Community College and was its lead instructor until it closed.

Louise was also a great friend to many. Although not originally from Dublin, she knew more about the people from Dublin than her native husband, Wadis. She loved Dublin and truly thought of it as her home.

Left to cherish her memory are her sister, Peggy Ivey of Rowland; her son, Keith Butler and wife Christeen of Apex; daughter, Meredith Hughes and husband Matthew of Leland; granddaughters: Faith Hudson (who was more like a daughter) and husband Jonathan of Bladenboro, Tess Butler and Macy Hughes; grandsons: Hayden Hughes and Logan Butler, and great grandchildren: Marco, Lexie, Miguel, Amelia and Aubree; special nieces: Debra (Jimmy) Zimmerman, Linda Harrelson, Teresa Norris (Eddie), Beverly Brady (Dean), Van Butler, Vonda Tatum, and Jennifer Britt (John). Many great nieces and nephews that held a special place in her heart.

So many people were so special to Louise, they are too numerous to name. You know she loved you and she told you often. A special few have to be called out: Her physician, Eric Scofield, MD, Tissie Mainess, Cathy Jackson, Brenda Brisson, Preacher Jason, Ricky Boyd and the members of the Couples Adult Sunday School class at Dublin First Baptist Church. You all took care of her in the last few years and her family is forever grateful.To the wonderful nurses on 7th floor at Novant Health-NHRMC, especially Aubree and Crystal and two special nurses on 8th floor, Dave and Noel. You cared for her like she was your own mother and we are so grateful.

One of the last things that Louise said is she could not be sad about her life and the time she was allowed on earth. She loved the Dodgers (2024 World Series Champions!!!), Duke Blue Devils, her friends, family, church family and Jesus. Her life was complete and should be celebrated.

The family will receive friends from 2-2:45pm on Sunday, January 5th at Dublin First Baptist Church with a funeral service at 3pm. Pastor Jason Lee will be officiating service. Burial will follow in the Singletary Church Cemetery in Dublin

The family thanks you all for your love and devotion to her. We are all better people because she loved us.