Dorothy "Dot" Butler

Dorothy Jewel “Dot” Butler, 90, a lifelong resident of Matoaca, Virginia, passed away quietly on Thursday, July 7, 2022. She was born on August 29, 1931, to the late William Henry Porter and Gladys Ford Porter. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Elmer J. “Bozo” Butler. She is survived by her sons, Roger Butler (Ann) of Prince George, Galen Butler (Cara) of Franklin, and Whitney Butler (Sonja) of Chesterfield; and her grandchildren, Courtney, James, Knox, and Ellis.

After graduation from Petersburg High School in 1948, Mom embarked on her first career with the Life Insurance Company of Virginia. Upon marriage in 1960, she changed careers to begin raising her family. Realizing that she needed more, and could do more, she decided at the age of 40 to pursue her passion of becoming a schoolteacher. With her boys at home ages 5, 8, and 10, she became a full-time college student, first at John Tyler, then continuing at Virginia State. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Virginia State and taught first grade at Harrowgate Elementary School for 19 years!

Our mother was a woman of strong faith, active in her church and community, never met anyone she couldn’t talk with, and was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Her example of a life well lived in ministry to others is an inspiration to us all.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 14, 2022, at East Matoaca Cemetery, 21576 Memorial Avenue, S. Chesterfield, Virginia 23803. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 13, 2022, at the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes & Crematory, 2033 Boulevard Colonial Heights, Virginia 23834. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Chesterfield Community Church, 7110 Woodpecker Road, Chesterfield, Virginia 23838. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.