Edna Savage Butler

Mother Edna Savage Butler quietly and peacefully transitioned from this earthly life on June 7, 2026 surrounded by her family at Sentara Obici Hospital. She was preceded in death by her husband Dennis Butler; three sisters, Dolly Johnson, Ida Jordan, and Marie Williams; one brother, Bishop John R. Savage; and two granddaughters, Tameka Carter and Tiffany Williams.

Edna was born on August 24, 1933 in Drum Hill, North Carolina. She was the 4th child of the late John Wesley Savage, Sr. and Ethel Batts Savage. She was apart of the first graduating class of Buckland High School in Gates, NC.

Edna accepted Christ at an early age. She always had a strong relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ throughout her life. She was a very devoted member of New Piney Wood Chapel Baptist Church in Drum Hill, NC. She later joined Healing Temple Church under the leadership of her brother, the late Bishop John R. Savage in Portsmouth, VA. She remained a faithful member after his passing and continued fellowshipping under the current leadership of Pastor Veronica Goodman, with whom she had a wonderful relationship.

Edna was married to the late Dennis Cross Butler and to this union, seven children were born. Their union consisted of three sons: Michael, Ray, and Nathaniel; and four daughters: Joyce, Gloria, Marilyn, and Brenda.

Edna loved to cook; you could always find her preparing delicious meals for her family and friends, which extended to others not with familial ties. Her Southern specialty dishes included: Turkey Wings, Pigs Feet, Roast Beef, Candied Yams, Cabbage, Collard Greens, and her legendary, famous Homemade Rice Pudding!

Edna poured her heart into her family. Being a loving mother was one of the greatest joys of her life. She had unconditional love for her seven children, her daughter-in-law and four son-in-laws; along with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She opened her heart and home to all that came in contact with her. Edna loved to babysit so others could go to work. She helped raise many children that became friends with her children as well as becoming like a second mother to many of her nieces and nephews, whom she also helped raise. She was loving and kind to ALL of them! 

Edna had an awesome memory and could tell you stories from when she was a young girl up to the current date. She loved watching Young & The Restless and The Bold & The Beautiful. She also loved to talk on the phone with her many friends, including her lifelong buddy, Bishop Mavis Goodman. Those who knew Edna well can testify she was a fashionista, always dressing in stylish suits, hats, and outfits. While she was able, she attended the East Suffolk Community Center on a regular basis until COVID-19 halted many activities. It was a joy for her to play "Dominos" at the center; in addition to playing "Bingo" in the Senior Tent at the Suffolk Peanut Festival. 

Edna leaves to cherish her loving memories, three sons, Michael Butler, Dennis "Ray" Butler and Nathaniel Butler (Jeneen); four daughters, Joyce Urqhart (Abraham), Gloria Lynch (Hubert), Marilyn Butler Harrell (Larry), and Brenda Williams (Herb); grandchildren, Tyrone Butler, Travis Butler, Lakesha Perkinson, Monya Sparrow, Derrick Carter, David "Jerrell" Goodman, Kenneth Carter, Jr., and Patrick Gainous; 16 great granchildren; a brother, Wesley Savage, Jr. (Barbara) of Cherry Hill, NJ; a sister, Marion Knight of Drum Hill, NC; devoted nieces, Narsorine Ralph (James) and Laverne Wilson; her lifelong friend, Bishop Mavis Goodman; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and long-time friends. 

A public viewing will be held 2-5pm, Sunday, June 14, 2026 in the Melvin J. Blowe Chapel of Crocker Funeral Home, Inc. A celebration of life will be held 11:00am, Monday, June 15, 2026 at Healing Temple Church, 505 Rapidan Street, Portsmouth, VA. Ms. Butler will be entombed at Carver Memorial Cemetery. The family will be receiving visitors and guests at 620 Clary's Drive, Suffolk, VA 23434. The family has entrusted Crocker Funeral Home, Inc. with services rendered with dignity, compassion, and care.