Deborah Jean Butler

With deep sorrow, we share the passing of our beloved sister, Debbie “Debruska” Butler, on September 9, 2024 after a sudden, but courageous battle with an aggressive Lymphoma. Born on July 3, 1963, Debbie has been a rock to many. From childhood escapades to adult achievements, she navigated life's journey in community with family and friends. Her genuine love for people and her dedication to God were truly remarkable. Debbie was a kind soul with a heart of gold, always had a smile, and was consistently there for family and friends. She was kind, real, fun, passionate, generous, hospitable and loyal. Her legacy is one of courage, perseverance, love, and unwavering support for those she cared about. Debbie graduated from Halifax County High School (Class of 1981), Freed-Hardeman University (Class of 1985) and received her M.B.A. from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1991. She continued her education in organizational leadership almost completing her Doctorate in Management. Debbie had a successful career journey in the banking industry and was currently enjoying semi retirement. She launched her own business as enterprise coach, organization influencer, and an agile transformation leader, was passionate about developing and consulting as well as training. Debbie’s unwavering faith was evident in how she used her passions to bring others to Christ. She taught Bible classes, organized events, conferences, initiated and developed programs that were influential to the mission field, led mission trips to Ukraine and Honduras, and helped with humanitarian efforts. She impacted so many lives that there is no way to list them all. Everyone she met was left as a better person. One central focus in her life was Mission to Ukraine’s effort to impact the lives of thousands of people in Ukraine. For over 20 years, Debbie served as a brilliant leader, committed board member, wise advisor, effective organizational and leadership coach, gifted teacher, and above all - as an example of a passionate committed follower of Christ and loyal friend to many. Debbie was always one step ahead of the game and gave her all to everything she did. She strived to develop people, churches, and organizations to the best of their potential. Her legacy in Ukraine is invaluable. She exemplified Matthew 25:23 showing what it truly means to be a good and faithful servant. She is preceded in death by her parents Bernard B. Butler, Jr. and Phyllis Browning Butler, and leaves behind four brothers; Dr. B. B. Butler, DVM (and wife, Darcy) of Vinton, LA, Bruce Butler (and wife, Donna) of Buffalo, NY, Steve Butler (and wife, Kara) of Mechanicsville, VA, Erik Butler (and wife, Deanne) also of Mechanicsville; numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews cousins, close friends; as well as Ira Venglovska of Zhytomyr, Ukraine (a sister from another mother) and countless adopted Ukrainian family. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 13, 2024 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Nelsen Funeral Home, 4650 S. Laburnum Ave., Richmond, VA 23231. A service to celebrate Debbie’s life and honor her incredible journey will be held at Three Chopt Church of Christ, 9500 Three Chopt Road, Richmond, VA 23229 on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at 11 a.m. with a meal to follow. Flowers can be sent to Nelsen Funeral Home at the address above for the visitation or to Three Chopt Church of Christ at the address listed above for the Celebration of Life. Contributions can also be made in her honor to Mission To Ukraine (https://missiontoukraine.org/give-to-mission-to-ukraine/)