IVY BUTCHER

Ivy Marie Winn Butcher was born on May 24, 1924, in Mexia, Texas, the third of ten children, to the late Albert and Lela Winn. At an early age, Ivy was baptized at and became a member of Alexander Chapel Primitive Baptist Church. “Sis,” as she was affectionately called by family and friends, graduated from Douglas Dunbar High School in Mexia. She furthered her education at Allstate Business School and Southern Baptist Institute.

On May 24,1945 she united in holy matrimony with Johnny Butcher of Shiloh, Texas. The young couple initially moved to Wortham, TX before relocating to Dallas, TX where they began their family. To this union, five children (3 girls and 2 boys) were born. However, the couple suffered the loss of their oldest daughter, Johnny Marie, who was born prematurely and sadly only lived 3 days.

Upon moving to Dallas, she joined Mt. Nebo Missionary Baptist Church of West Dallas. In 1950, The family relocated to South Dallas and became members of Bexar Street Baptist Church. Ivy served at Bexar Street for 41 years under the pastoral leadership of the late Rev. R.L. Robinson, Senior Pastor. She would later join Greater South-Central Baptist Church and then King of Glory Baptist Church. Ewing Avenue Baptist Church, under the pastoral care of Rev. Lee Craig, was her final church home and she served there faithfully until her health failed.

Ivy was employed by Dallas Independent School District for many years and later became a housekeeper before retiring in the early 1990’s.

Ivy was a strong woman of faith and dedicated her life to studying and proclaiming the word of God. She leaned on God to see her through every trial and tribulation that she faced in life. She served in various capacities from Sunday school teacher to Mission Board president. She sang in the mission choir, was elected Bible Board president, and was a member of the Rising Star Baptist Association. Ivy, known for her fiery speeches, was a speaker on numerous church programs and participant at countless Christian conferences, conventions, and associations.  No role was too small for her, and she served each with dedication and commitment, a faithful servant for the Lord.

Ivy Marie Butcher leaves to carry on her legacy one sister, Sarah Johnson (Ft. Worth, TX); daughters Linda Peterson and Margaret Biggins (both of Cedar Hill, TX); a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents Albert and Lela Winn; siblings – Irma Wadley, Jewel Spearman, Ray Winn, James Winn, Early Watson, Odell Winn, Edith Campbell, Evelyn Adkinson and Wilma Winn; daughter, Johnnie Marie Butcher; sons – Willie Ray and Richard (Sonny) Butcher; and 2 grandsons.