Georgia Mae Butler

Georgia Mae Butler (nee Baker), of Prairie Lea, passed away on Friday, July 3, after a long illness. Born in rural Gonzalez County, Texas, and growing up on a farm south of Gander Slough by Darst Creek and Cuero, Texas, she was the eldest of 13 children. She was born on July 9, 1927.

She married a California farmer, John F. Leathers in Waco, Texas, during World War II

, and went to live near his ranch in Robbins, Calif. Six years later, she moved to the farming community of Yuba City, Calif., where she raised five children: Denella (Leathers) Kimura, Alma Jeanne (Leathers) Reed, John Francis Leathers, Jr. (deceased), Ronald George Leathers (deceased), and Thomas Wayne Leathers.

When her marriage failed in 1962, she moved to Standish, Calif., near Susanville, and married Ben Butler, with whom she had two sons, William Allen Butler and Steven Ray Butler. In 1966, Georgia moved back to Prairie Lea Texas, where as a single parent, she raised her five sons to adulthood.

Georgia blessed her family with her talent for organizing and managing, as well as cooking, gifts which she passed on to her family.

Georgia is survived by five of her seven children; 17 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren.

Her last few years were spent at the Chisolm Trail Nursing and Rehab Center in Lockhart until she passed on July 3. She will be missed by her family and friends.

Services will be held at the Prairie Lea Baptist Church in Prairie Lea, Texas, on Saturday July 11, at 10 a.m.
Arrangements under the care and direction of McCurdy Funeral Home, 105 E. Pecan St., Lockhart, Texas 78644 (512) 398-4791.