Joan "Joni" Tischer Butler

Joan (Joni) Eleanor Butler went home to Jesus on the 27th of September 2019. She was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on the 22nd of December 1942 to Dr. E. Paul Tischer and Katherine Rigsbee Tischer. Joni attended Shortridge High School and Butler University. She was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and the Junior League of Stamford-Norwalk.

Joni was a great cook, talented gardener, and committed watercolorist. She was given these passions by her parents and used her talents to create a home for her family and beloved dogs. She shared her love of food, nature, and art with her children Michael Butler and Tracy Butler Smith, both of whom have instilled these interests in their children Lela Butler, Reid Smith, and Pomeroy Smith III. The family times spent with Joni (Gammy to her grandchildren) were filled with laughter as the whole family worked to prepare meals together, oftentimes during the holidays.

Joni also loved the water, especially the ocean. She raised her children on Bell Island in Rowayton Connecticut and later spent many years on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. In both places, she avidly enjoyed the splendor of nature while becoming an active part of these communities.

Joni’s life was filled with her strong Christian faith and chorale music. She spread her joy of music as a longtime member of the Darien Blue Notes and as a member of the choirs of the churches she attended, including singing with her spiritual family on the Praise and Worship Team at Grace Community Church in Hilton Head. Joni shared her faith by example; she showed grace and love, gratitude and perseverance, in times both bad and good.

Joni always reached out to those in need, sharing with them unconditional love and faith in them that she experienced in her relationship with Jesus. It is because of this example that Joni has a large group of friends who became family to her.

Joni is survived by her children, Michael Butler and his wife, Sandie; Tracy Smith and her husband, Pomeroy; grandchildren, Reid Smith, Pomeroy Smith III, and Lela Butler; her sister, Sally Middlebrooks; her nephews, Paul Boat and his husband, Kevin Kuharic, John Fleener, Adam Fleener, and Jerry Fleener.

A private service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Grace Community Church in Hilton Head, 450 Spanish Wells Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926.

She was a truly remarkable woman and will be well missed.

Arrangements by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary's Street, Raleigh, NC.