Juniel Butler

“When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.” - Maya Angelou

It is in great sadness, but with humble acceptance of God’s will, we announce the passing of our Beautiful Mother, Ms. Juniel Butler. She made her transition on Friday December 1, 2023. Juniel was born to the union of Robert S. Juniel and Waddie (Walker) Juniel on August 31, 1939 in Denver, CO. She was delivered by the first licensed African American female doctor in Denver, Dr. Justina Ford. Her memorial mass will take place on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, 10:30 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church located at 279 S. Main Street, Milpitas, CA 95035.

Juniel was a longtime resident in the City of Milpitas, CA. Very passionate and compassionate, she was fully committed to a life of service; heavily involved in the community and in the Church. She was enthralled with embracing and engaging the variety of global cultures that make up the Milpitas community.

After a brief respite following her retirement from Cisco Systems, she worked for Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County until her passing and was central to the variety of services offered through the agency.

A deeply committed citizen of Milpitas, Juniel served on the Strategic Actions for Emergencies, the Community Emergency Response Team program for the City of Milpitas, was a Senior Volunteer for the Milpitas Police Department, and served on the Milpitas Arts Commission. She was also a charter member and officer of the Milpitas Executive Lions Club.

Juniel was very passionate and committed in her service for the Greene Scholars Program, a program that helps youth of African ancestry in San Francisco Bay Area communities successfully pursue higher education in science, technology, engineering and/or math (STEM). As a committed member of the Development Grants committee, Juniel played a crucial role in supporting and facilitating the growth and progress of the organization. She also actively participated as a judge in the annual GSP Science Fair and Review Board and as an interviewer for the annual career fair.

Prayerful, faithful, and available for service, Juniel was member of St. John The Baptist Catholic Church of Milpitas, CA. She completed the Institute for Leadership in Minsitry and served as a lay leader in a variety of roles as well as a member of the Legion of Mary. She was beloved in her faith community.

Ms. Juniel was classy, elegant, and sophisticated. She enjoyed the finer things as well as simple time together with family. She was a life-long learner, a world traveler, a historian, and a social butterfly. She embraced life in the fullest and danced to the beat of her own drum. Her impact leaves an indelible imprint on the lives of so many including our family, friends, and local community. She will be greatly missed but cherished as the most beautiful memory, kept locked in our hearts forever.

The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider donating to the Dr. Frank Greene Scholars Program in Juniel Butler’s name. (https://www.greenescholars.org/donate)

Memorial Mass:

December 20, 2023, 10:30am

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church

279 S. Main Street

Milpitas, CA 95035

The live stream of the service will be accessible at bit.ly/mmm-stream

Reception immediately following at:

Emmanuel Baptist Church, Agape Hall

467 N. White Rd.

San Jose, CA 95127

Please Save the Date: On August 31, 2024, what would have been her 85th birthday, we will have a Memorial Celebration in her honor! Details to come.

If you wish to send flowers, please deliver it to this address care of Imani Butler : 48 Cedar Court, Milpitas CA 95035