June 18, 1954 ~ August 2, 2019

This is the story of Marilyn Butler. Marilyn was a generous, loving woman who will be greatly missed. She was the type of woman who loved to give gifts and make people happy. Known as Shug to her husband, Zorba to her children when they misbehaved, and Memaw to all her grandchildren by blood and those she adopted as her own.

Marilyn Sue’s story starts on June 18, 1954 in Jacksonville, Florida. She was the 3rd of six children born to Marilyn Roberta and Billy Dean Vannattan. Her siblings were Bobby Dean (Linda), John Ray (Shelena), Billy Gene, Mikey, and Patty. Marilyn Sue was a proud Air Force brat who moved around. She may have only been 5 foot 3 1/2 inches tall but being raised with rough and tumble brothers left her a force to be reckoned with.

Michael Butler was struck by the beauty of a Native American woman modeling jewelry in a TV commercial. Little did he know, that was the first time he set eyes on the love of his life. It was her father who talked them into going out on a date for the first time because he really liked Mike Butler and thought they would be a good match. They were united in marriage on October 1, 1977. Their marriage would survive raising four children, Marilyn’s lack of time management, and many food fights.

Marilyn was known for her cake baking and decorating skills. She didn’t know how to make a small cake. If you timed your visit just right you would be rewarded with the sweet top layer of the cake after she leveled it.

Marilyn loved all holidays. Much to her children’s horror, she bought a real casket to decorate her yard for Halloween. Her Valentine’s box decorating skills were award winning. She would start planning them months in advance with the children. Christmas was a time of gift giving and shopping of epic proportions. She loved to give gifts for no reason at all but to make people smile.

Marilyn and Michael were baptised in their faith together on September 3, 2006 by the same man that married them, her Uncle Jim Eager.

Marilyn was proud to serve as Mayor of The City of Orrick. She was a fighter who always had the citizens best interests at heart.

Marilyn and Michael raised four headstrong, stubborn children. Kimberly Dawn is their oldest. Marilyn was trying to find her a good man to marry until her final breath so if you know of someone please help fulfill that dream by setting her up. Laura Ann came next bringing Jeff into the family as the red headed step child. Michael Shawn followed bringing Robin as the kind, sweet daughter she always wanted. Last came Jordyn Kyle as the spoiled youngest child. He brings Stephanie #2 as his better half.

Marilyn’s grandchildren were loved beyond measure and spoiled beyond belief. The tallest of her grandchildren, Nathan, was born to Kimberly Dawn. Laura Ann gave her Stephanie the singer, Kierstin the artist, Mikey the sweetheart, and Joey the athlete. Michael Shawn gave her Brecken the musician and Brylen the mastermind. Jordyn gave her Axel the wonder mutt destroyer of toys, carpets, and shoes.

She also leaves behind Bear, her 4 legged spoiled pup and Boo, the bird who loves to yell.

If you couldn’t already tell, Marilyn loved to laugh. The best way to honor her is to share stories to keep her memory alive. Visitation and a Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held Tuesday, August 6, 2019 at The First Baptist Church in Orrick. Visitation runs from 4:30 to 6 p.m. with the Ceremony to follow. In lieu of flowers we are asking for donations to help cover her medical expenses.