Mother Jerline Elizabeth Sands Butler was born on Oct. 6, 1914 to the union of Elkanah and Laura Sands. Her parents were proud immigrants from the beautiful Caribbean island of Tarpon Bay in Eleuthera, Bahamas.
As “Mother Butler” grew, her passion and desire to serve the Almighty matured as well. She joined St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, where she played the piano and was a Sunday school teacher. Later she joined Trinity Wesleyan Methodist Church.
Mother Butler loved to read, and although she was advancing in age, she would read the scriptures and portions of her Sunday school lesson in church. She was more than just a member, she was a devoted and willing worker in the ministry.
It was at that time she met the love of her life, Robert Butler, who preceded her in death. They were united in Holy Matrimony on Dec. 30, 1936. From this union came six children — Betty, Robert, (deceased) Angelina, (deceased) Victoria, Wanda and William.
The matriarch of her family, she loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Her legacy extends for five generations. She spent her entire life on the beautiful island of Key West, where she lived with her daughter Victoria and her grandchildren. Victoria was her devoted caretaker. Some of the neighbors called them two peas in a pod.
On Dec. 8, 2021, Mother Butler heard the voice from heaven saying, “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord henceforth … That they may rest from their labors and the works do follow them.”
God chose this precious rose from his garden. Cherishing her beloved memory are her children, two of whom are deceased. Her brother, James Edwards, and her sister, Harriet Moss, both preceded her in death.
She is remembered and adored by 21 grandchildren, one of whom is deceased; 47 great-grandchildren, three of whom are deceased; and 32 great great grandchildren, one of whom is deceased; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors and friends.
