Rebecca Irene Smith Butler

Mrs. Rebecca ‘Irene’ Smith Butler, 87, of Hudson Road, Elberton, wife of 59 years to the late Gaines ‘Copelan’ Butler, Sr., died on Wednesday, April 29, 2020.

A lifelong resident of the Fortsonia Community, Mrs. Butler was born on July 22, 1932, daughter of the late Christopher Thomas “Tabor” Smith and Winnie Davis Snellings Smith. She was an active member of Eliam United Methodist Church and an LPN having retired from The Medical Center of Elberton. Mrs. Irene was a true servant who always put the needs of others first. She was devoted to her family and always looked forward to hosting both the Smith and Butler family reunions each year.

She is survived by her children: Gaines Copelan, Jr. and Susan Butler of Snellville, William Earl and Kathy Butler of Vidalia, and Rebecca Diane B. and Dennis Moss of Elberton; grandchildren: Debbie and Brett Siedschlag, Dana and BJ Moon, Kristen and Jonathan Ciaburri, Megan Butler, Mark Butler, and Joni and Russ Ford; great-grandchildren: Eva, Rebecca, Amy, Lucy, and Elias; and nieces, nephews, and friends too numerous to name.

In addition to her parents and husband, she is preceded in death by her siblings: Kathlene and Billy Trippe, Winnie Mae and Bob Fox, George and Virginia Smith, Julia and Lee Maples, Eleanor and Neil Wilson, and Julius and Alice Smith.

Memorial services celebrating Irene's life will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2020, at 11 o'clock in the Memorial Chapel of Berry Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 10:00-10:45a.m. prior to the service on Saturday.

Mrs. Butler was laid to rest at the Fortsonia Community Cemetery during a private, family ceremony on Saturday, May 2, 2020.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the caring staff at Nancy Hart Nursing Center for the excellent care Mrs. Irene received during her time there. She graduated Nancy Hart High School, worked as a nurse at Nancy Hart, volunteered much of her time there after retirement, and spent her final days there, bringing her life full circle.

Flowers are accepted and contributions may be made in her memory to Eliam United Methodist Church or to Victory Baptist Church.

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at www.berryfh.com.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Rebecca ‘Irene’ Smith Butler.