Samella Butler was born August 27, 1931 in Starkville, Mississippi to Nancy Collier Mims and Tom Lyndsey. She went home to be with the Lord on January 11, 2012. She professed hope in Christ and was baptized at age 12. She graduated from high school in Starkville, Mississippi before moving to St. Louis, Missouri. She was a faithful member of Greater Mount Carmel Baptist Church since 1960. She was united in matrimony with Johnnie Butler, Jr. on June 25, 1946. To this union were born four children. Samella and Johnnie were devoted parents who instilled a strong work ethic and desire for education in their children. They were rarely seen apart and enjoyed 32 years together until the Lord called him home. Samella worked as a certified surgical technician at Jewish Hospital for 39 years. She was one of the founding members of the surgical technician program at Forest Park Community College. After retirement she continued to enjoy bowling at Normandy Bowling Lanes with the Gateway Bowling Guild and traveled around the country to various tournaments. Samella now joins her husband Johnnie who passed away May 19, 1979. She is also preceded in death by her brother, Wesley Jackson and sister, Henrietta Webb. She leaves to cherish beautiful memories of her full life: five devoted children; Alma Jean Reece of O'Fallon, MO, Donnie Dupree Butler of Miami, FL, Janice Renice Butler of Phoenix, AZ, Jonathan Fitzgerald Butler, Sr. of St. Louis, MO and Betty Jean Due (Gregory) of Dardenne Prairie, MO. Keeping alive her vibrant spirit are 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. She leaves behind two loving sisters. Mary Louise Bush of St. Louis, MO and Catherine Bean Croom of Florence, AL; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. This Online Memorial has been created to commemorate the life of Samella Butler. You are invited to add a Tribute in her memory. Please click "Sign Guestbook" below to add your own memories, reflections, thoughts or condolences.