Javine Butler

As we retrace the footprints of Javine Butler we can only give thanks for the many lives she touched and enriched along life’s journey. A meek, beautiful, and humble woman, she was blessed to enjoy many of God’s blessings as a child, a wife, and a mother. Javine Dawn began her journey of life on August 26, 1940, in Bearden, Arkansas when she became the daughter of Jerry Key and Carrie Craig Dawn. She was nurtured in a Christian environment and during her tender childhood she gave her life to Christ at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Bearden, Arkansas. It was there that she learned how to be a servant to others. That’s when her life of servanthood began. She joined Macedonia Baptist Church in the Sparkman, Arkansas where she served as a deaconess, Sunday school teacher, announcement clerk, and choir member. Her primary and secondary education was completed in Bearden, Arkansas. She was a 1959 graduate of Ouachita Training School, where she excelled as a student. Javine grew up to be a loving, kind and intelligent young woman. On September 3, 1960, believing God’s Word, “….and the two shall become one flesh….” Javine Dawn became Mrs. Javine Dawn Butler when she married the handsome and charming Columbus Butler. The Lord blessed this union with the birth of three children, Dawn Joyce, Jimmy, and Karen. She was a dedicated employee of the Arkadelphia Human Development Center in Arkadelphia. She retired in 2003 after 23 years of service. Her co-workers remember her as a dependable co-worker who possessed an impeccable work ethic. Javine was known throughout the community as a friendly and Godly woman with a strong devotion to God. She loved decorating and shopping. Her sense of style and elegance could illuminate any eye. She was most noted for her fashionable Sunday’s Best….hats and shoes. As she approached her last hours on Sunday, May 17, 2009, at St. Joseph’s Mercy Health Center in Hot Springs, Arkansas with her family at her side to bid her a safe journey, she answered the call that no man can refuse. Those awaiting her arrival and to welcome her home are parents, and six brothers, R.H., Jerry (Peter), Samuel, Joseph, Gertman, and Booker T. During all of her 68 seasons, she made friends across every race, gender, faith and creed; she freely offered wise counsel, gave generously to those in need and inspired everyone who crossed her path. Javine leaves to celebrate and honor her life’s journey: Columbus, her loving and devoted husband; two beautiful daughters, Dawn Joyce (Rev. Steven) Brody of Desoto, TX and Karen Hatcherson of Birmingham, AL; her handsome son, Jimmy C. (Kim) Butler of Dallas, TX; two step-children who adored her, Betty Butler and Ray A. Butler both of Milwaukee, WI; six sisters, Maedell Parham of Kansas City, KS, O’Dell (Earl) Moore of Kansas City, KS, Betty Burnette of Dallas, TX, Priscilla (Rev. Maurice) Ricks of Dallas, TX, Lettie (Donald Ray) Stephens of Camden, AR, and Ruthie (Ronald) Patton of Dallas, TX; four brothers, Rev. Frank (Fannie) Dawn of Bearden, AR, Carlton (Ora) Dawn of Fordyce, AR, Lee Carrie Dean) Dawn, Sr., of Kansas City, MO, and James (Janie) Dawn of Kansas City, MO. She also leaves her loving 10 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, numerous friends and the Macedonia Baptist Church family. A Celebration in honor of her life will be held Saturday, May 23, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of Macedonia Baptist Church in Sparkman, Akransas, where Rev. J. L. Newborn is the pastor and will preach the celebration message. Rev. Frank Dawn her brother, will officitate. He is the pastor of both Rising Star Baptist Church in Amy, Arkansas and First Union Baptist Church in Chidester, Arkansas. The Committal Service and final resting place will be at Butler Cemetery in Sparkman, Arkansas adjacent to Harmony Missionary Baptist Church. Bearers of the casket will be Landrick O’Keith Brody, Steven O’Keith Brody, Jr., Jimmy Butler, Jr., Lee A. Dawn, Jr., Jeffery Butler, Deacon Horace Carter, Deacon David Whitaker, Deacon Freddie Carter.