Lillian Eleanor Butler, 89, passed away peacefully at home on August 16, 2024. She was born March 12, 1935, in Morganton, NC. to the late Charles Ayden Butler Sr. and Lillian Warner Butler. She was preceded in death by her brother, Charles Ayden Butler Jr. of Newland and her nephew, Charles Ayden Butler III of Hickory.
Eleanor attended Morganton High School, Greensboro Women’s College, and she obtained her master’s degree in education at Appalachian State University. She walked the campuses using crutches and she never let polio slow her down. Eleanor was a member of First United Methodist Church of Morganton, and she was active in many organizations in Burke County. Eleanor worked for BCPS and went on to work at Broughton Hospital as personnel director, she eventually retired at JIRDC. She was a member of the Burke County School Board from 1981 until 1989, serving as chairman 1987 & 1988. Eleanor was also honored as Burke County’s Woman of the Year in 1989.
Those left to cherish her memory include her sister, Jane Hill of Gastonia, NC: niece (whom she raised as her daughter) Elizabeth Yancey (Clay): Great nieces and nephew, that lovingly referred to her as “Grand El”, Rainer Butler of Boston, MA, Rhiannon Butler of Drexel, NC, and Lansing Butler of Valdese, NC; Former sister-in-law Gayle Butler, niece Caroline Butler of Morganton, NC, nephew Hank Butler (Shelley) of Charlotte, NC; great nephews Hunter Butler, Stuart Butler, and Jack Butler.
Eleanor was a tough lady with a giant heart that adored her “grandchildren”. She was loved immensely and will be deeply missed.
The family plans to hold a celebration of life at a later date.
The Butler Yancey family would like to express gratitude to every person that is involved with Amorem.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Amorem (amoremsupport.org/donate).
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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Liz and all…I just now found out about El and I am so sad for all of us. I am not going to tell you how special she was as you know that better than most. I regret I didn’t stay in touch after I left Morganton. I am back now to get to go to my final resting place beside my mother. I’m about ready for Hospice, but I would love to see you and find out all about the children. I am at the doctors and hospital so much , but please call me at 828 201 2534 and if I am out, please leave a message and I will call you back as soon as I can. Take care and this comes with lots of love. Patty Wacaster
Ms. Butler you are LOVED and will be missed.
Such an amazing woman! I always admired her for her strength, intellect, and commitment to whatever project she took on.
The MHS Class of 1953 send our sympathy to the family of Eleanor Butler. She was well liked through out our high school years. Several of us tried to reach out to her several times and no luck. However, she is remembered as a sweet person and our thoughts are with you.
Eleanor was a classmate in the Class of 1953. I always admired how she accepted her polio disability and never slowed her down. I would always keep in touch until she was moved from her home to Glen Alpine and often wondered about her. Not long ago I called Dottie another classmate who was best friends to see if she had heard from Eleanor. So sorry to get this message today of her passing. I know she will be missed.
I have many wonderful memories of Eleanor throughout my childhood. She was friends with my mother and came by frequently. She once came with Libby Walton to the beach with our family. I remember her bringing Caroline, Hank and Ayden by the house and also remember when Liz came to live with her. She brought me many books to read as a child because she knew how much I enjoyed it. Eleanor was a wonderful special person. I tried to see her in December of 2022 after my father passed but no one was home and the listed phones did not have voice mail. I hope she knew how highly people thought of her and what a great impact she had on so very many lives. I wish I had managed to tell her that myself. To Liz and the rest of her family I extend my heartfelt condolences. I know the pain of the loss of her presence in your lives is tremendous. My thoughts are with you all.
Eleanor and my mother Bobbie Winchester Hairfield were great friends. I have many fond memories of Eleanor. She was a very strong, good hearted woman.
