Ethel Watkins Butler

Mrs. Ethel Elizabeth Watkins Butler, 86, died Friday, April 11, 2014 at her residence. Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. at Oakes & Nichols with Rev. Keith Sherwood officiating. Burial will follow in the Neapolis Cemetery. The family will visit with friends Monday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The family suggests memorials to Neapolis United Methodist Church, c/o Frances Smith, 3149 Denning Lane, Spring Hill, TN 37174 or Neapolis Cemetery, c/o Freeda Potts, 403 Cheyenne Trail, Columbia, TN 38401. Notes of condolence may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com. Born in Limestone County, Alabama, she was the daughter of the late John Losson Watkins and Winnie Lee Collins Watkins. She was a long-time member of Neapolis United Methodist Church and loved sewing and gardening. She married James Edwards "Jimmy" Butler on September 15, 1950. Mr. Butler died March 8, 2014. Survivors include her son, David (Kari) Butler of New Lebanon, Ohio; grandsons, Parker Butler and Spencer Butler; sister, Nina Ferguson of Tanner, Alabama; brother, Frank (Jenny) Wakins of Tanner, Alabama; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by sisters, Rachel Young and Lois Padgett and brothers, J. B. Watkins, Alton Watkins, Fred Watkins, and Ed Watkins. Serving as active pallbearers are Edgar Chumley, Sam Smith, Kenneth Smith, Mike Butler, Joe Butler, and Jack Butler. Honorary pallbearers are the congregation of Neapolis United Methodist Church. The family expresses special appreciation to her caregivers for their kindness and care throughout her illness.