THE CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Sunday, March 3, 2019
1:30 P.M.
Christ Missionary Baptist Church
494 S. Parkway East • Memphis, Tennessee 38106
Dr. Gina M. Stewart, Pastor & Officiating
Gospel Temple Baptist Church
Reverend Charles Lee Ewing, II
Senior Pastor
Mom – you were the world’s most phenomenal woman to me. You were beautiful in character and in physique; perfectly synchronized in the way only, God knows.
Mom – you were an astounding mom with an impressive, uncommon and extraordinary personality. You took up difficult challenges and saw them to completion.
Mom – you loved God, your family, and your neighbors. You knew your value to me and the world. You were not confused as to who you were. You could not be easily swayed or silenced.
Mom - you were so, so kind to all. Very generous, forgiving and a very hard worker. Your caring spirit for me could not be matched.
Mom – you sought the will and purposes of God in your life, discharging those duties with the best of your abilities. You did your best in life to please God and you lived accordingly to the tenets of your daily faith.
Mom – not only were you a phenomenal woman; you were the world’s Most “Extraordinary Mom.”
I love you Edna Earl Stitt White Butler You will always be in my heart Mom.
Love, Adrian “Acey” Stitt
Dear Moma “Tee”,
All of my life you have been there for me in countless ways. You have cheered me on, chastised me when I needed it, and often, just called me to say how much you loved me. The truth is, you loved me as is, no matter what I did. You were truly my angel sent from God. I will always love and honor you. I thank God for you. I will continue to make you proud.
Ezell Luke Owens Jr. “Yuke”
Phenomenal you are. From a baby to an adult you have nurtured and loved me. And I can never find the words to Thank You enough. I will carry your words with me as I continue on this journey called life. If it is to be, it is up to me. We love you and you will be truly missed but never forgotten as you would say after every early morning phone calls. See you soon!
Love your Daughter/Niece, Toya
Edna Earl Stitt Butler was born on August 31, 1948, in Covington, Tennessee, to the late Eddie and Clara Stitt. Edna was the 3rd child born of 8 siblings. She was raised and attended school in Memphis, Tennessee. On Tuesday, February 26, 2019, God called one of his angels homerffr4 to a place of eternal rest.
Edna’s spiritual journey began at an early age, and she was baptized at Pearly Gates Baptist Church in Memphis around the age of 10. She later joined Gospel Temple Baptist Church, where she was a member of the Deborah-Ruth Circle and the Hospitality Committee. She remained a member until she passed away.
Edna wore many hats including sister, mother, wife, and godmother to many. Most of all, she was a child of God! She was a woman of character and integrity with an indomitable spirit that was hard to miss who she touched the lives of all who knew her. She was a woman: extraordinaire.
After graduation, Edna moved to Chicago and worked at Mercy Hospital as a unit secretary. Later she moved back to Memphis where she married the love of her life Danny Charles Butler in December of 1973, and the couple was married for 31 years until his death on November 6, 2004.
After returning to Memphis, Edna was employed by John Gaston Hospital for five years and later joined St. Joseph Hospital as unit secretary until the closing of the hospital. From there, she went to Baptist and to The Med until she retired in May of 2014. As a unit secretary, Edna was always in charge of the floors and doctors.
Edna never met a stranger. She loved to talk, have fun, and meeting people from all walks of life. She loved to travel with her husband, Danny and their dear friends, Tommy and Deloris Elliott of Decatur, Alabama. Their travels included Hawaii and the Dominican Republic. As a member of AARP, she also enjoy the discounts the membership offered when they traveled.
With Edna, there was never a dull moment. Her son, Adrian, recalls driving her to the hospital when she became ill even though he didn’t have a license. “I had to sit on a pillow to see over the steering wheel, but we got to the hospital,” he said.
Edna was preceded in death by her 2 sisters: Ossie B. Hamilton, Annie Bell Smith, and 3 brothers: George Alvin Stitt, Johnny Stitt, and Fentress Stitt.
She leaves to mourn her passing her only and loving son, Adrian “Acey” Stitt (Mavis) of Memphis; two sisters, Patricia B. Pierce and Brenda Hester (James) both of Memphis; great uncle, special god-child: Ezell Luke Owens Jr. (Monica) and she also raised a niece who she raised, Latoya Stitt, and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives, and friends.
“Together Forever”
(Three Minutes Please)
Church - Juanita Chambers
Family Friend - Linda Staples
Classmate - Mildred Hunter
Neighbor - Pastor Ezell Owens
(Three Minutes Please)
Leon Gray – Family Friend
Elder Robert Hardaway – Pastor, House of Praise Ministries
Rev. Ernes Gillespie - Pastor, Pearly Gates M. B. Church
Catrina Stitt Warren-Niece
Selection featuring.................................................................................................Deborah
~Acknowledgements ~
The family of Edna Earl Stitt Butler wishes to express our sincere appreciation to all of who have supported us during this time. Words cannot express the gratitude and love that we have for the many family members, friends, co-workers, and church members who have showered us with love, prayers, and encouragement during this time. We especially would like to give thanks to Phyllis Taylor and Shirley Gray for their unconditional love and support at all times. Additionally, we would like to give a special thanks to our extended family, the doctors, nurses, and all staff on the 3rd floor of Methodist Hospital – North that treated her during her stay in the hospital. To the staff and administration of Lucy Elementary, Jerry Harrison & Harrison’s Memorial Chapel, Sharon Kirksey, Top of the Line Banquet Hall and my sister Jeralyn B. Major. Words cannot express the gratitude for all of the love and support that you have extended during this time. Finally, appreciation is extended to Rev. Dr. Gina M. Stewart and Christ M. B. Church and the Gospel Temple M. B. Church for the prayers, words of encouragement, hospitality, and love. Again, we say thank you and may God continue to bless each of you.
A very special Thank You to Shelia Pierce Wilson. Love, Adrian & Family
Honorary Pallbearers ~
Sheilds Ministry of Christ Missionary Baptist Church Deborah-Ruth Circle – Gospel Temple Baptist Church Harrison’s Memorial Chapel, Inc.
Committal Rites & Interment ~
Monday, March 5, 2019 • 2:30 P.M West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery 4000 Forest Hill-Irene Rd Memphis, Tennessee 38125
Top of the Line Banquet Hall 3674 Ridgeway Road Memphis, Tennessee 38115
Mable, Jr. Blair Butler
Jeremy Pierce
