Sarah Evelyn Mason-Butler, 83

Sarah Evelyn Mason-Butler, 83, of Leonardtown, MD died on March 15, 2004 at the St. Mary’s Hospital, Leonardtown, MD.

Born on April 7, 1920 in Loveville, MD, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Lena Sommerville Mason.

Mrs. Butler was a lifelong resident of St. Mary’s County. Her family and friends affectionately knew her as “Tom”. She received her education from St. Joseph’s Colored Elementary School in Morganza, MD and completed her education at Banneker High School, in Loveville, MD. Mrs. Butler’s primary occupation was a cook for the Xavierian Brothers and St. Mary’s Ryken Catholic School for 42 years. After retirement she enjoyed playing cards, her favorite game was pitch. Her most enjoyment came from traveling to the casinos in Las Vegas, Lauflen NV, Atlantic City, NJ and Dover, DE. She spent these times with her closest friend Dorothy Fenwick and members of her family. She also found great pleasure in spending time with her cousins, Vincena Dickerson and Mary Francis known as “Mix” Baker. Her happiness came from being around her friends and family, discussing old times, cooking soul food, playing Fats Domino’s music and her special song “O Danny Boy”. Sarah’s love for people was shown through her caring heart. She was of the Catholic Faith and was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Morganza, MD.

She is survived by her children, Mildred Gross, of Leonardtown, MD, James Edward Butler, Jr. of Leonardtown, MD, David Anthony Butler, of Loveville, MD, Francis Lionel Butler, of Loveville, MD and Agnes Mason of Mechanicsville, MD, two step daughters, Mary Holton of Loveville, MD and Barbara Neale of Fort Washington, MD, a brother, John Ernest “Snack” Berry of Loveville, MD, 17 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and 4 great great grandchildren also survive. She also leaves behind Andrew Courtney whom she raised for many years, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. In addition to her parents in 1978 she was preceded in death by her husband, James Edward Cullins Butler, Sr. whom she married in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, on October 27, 1940, and a son Rudolph DeSales Butler, five sisters, Helen, Dorsey, Elizabeth, Mildred and Agnes (Bugins) Mason, six brothers, Leonard Mason, Paul Vincent Berry, James Henry Berry, Joseph Edward Berry and Joseph Walker Berry.

Friends may call on Saturday, March 20, 2004 from 8:30 am until 10:00 am at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Morganza, MD. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am. The Reverend David Werning will be the celebrant. Interment will follow in the Queen of Peace Cemetery, Helen, MD.

Pallbearers for Mrs. Butler will be her grandsons, Donald Gross, David Butler, Jr., Craig Brown, William Butler, Marcus Gross and Marvin Butler. Honorary Pallbearers will be her granddaughters, Stephanie Gross, Kimberly Jones, Angela Fenwick, Sarah Barber-Young, Leslie Gross and Elizabeth Butler.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Kidney Foundation, 6110 Executive Boulevard, Rockville, MD 20852.

Arrangements provided by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A. 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD.