Frances Jackson Butler, 79, wife of Melvin L. Butler, died peacefully on December 8, 2011 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born February 2, 1932 in Washington, NC, Frances was the daughter of the late James and Blanche Jackson. Frances grew up in Washington then went to college at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (known then as North Carolina Women’s College). After graduation, Frances moved to Roanoke Rapids in May of 1953 and later married husband Melvin Lee Butler in 1958. She began her 41-year career as a social worker within the Social Services Dept. of Halifax County. The last 12 years of her career, she served as Director of Social Services. She served on many boards and committees including the Dept. of Social Services and the Chowan Partnership Transportation Authority (CPTA). Frances loved helping others more than anything and always had families’ best interests in mind while making decisions. Frances enjoyed reading mystery novels, going to the beach, and walking in her neighborhood. She was a member of the All Saints Episcopal Church.

The family would like to thank everyone who wrote, called, and came by to visit. These gestures warmed her heart. She knew she was very blessed.

She is survived by her husband Melvin Butler, her sister Sarah Jackson Potter and her husband Lee of Monroe; nieces Ginny Potter, Martha Potter Bowen and her husband Bill, Pat Wildman and her husband Wayne, Patricia Grooms and her husband Fred; and nephews Steve Potter and his wife Carissa, Michael Newsome and his wife Jeane and Mike Butler.

Funeral service will be held Monday, December 12th, at 11:00 a.m. at All Saints Episcopal Church with Rev. Dr. Marjorie Holm and Rev. Ducan Jones officiating. Burial will immediately follow at Cedarwood Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday, December 11th, from 3:00 until 4:30 at Askew Funeral and Cremation Services in Roanoke Rapids.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Childrens Miracle Network, P.O. Box 8369, Greenville, NC; All Saints Episcopal Church, 635 Hamilton St., Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870; or Frances J. Butler Scholarship Fund, UNCG Advancement Services, P.O. Box 26170, Greensboro, NC, 27402.