Martha W. Butera

Martha W. Butera, age 87 years, passed peacefully from this life at her home surrounded by loved ones on Saturday, November 21, 2015. Martha grew up a poor share cropper’s daughter. When she was 16 years old she was struck by polio that made her bed ridden for 6 months and left her with a permanent limp. With the help of Cripple Children’s, she was sent to the Girl’s Club in Birmingham to attend beauty school. Determined to better herself and her family, she became a beautician and the owner of Martha’s Salon of Beauty in 5 Points South. There Martha was able to make a good living and succeeded in bringing her mother and all her siblings to Birmingham for a better life.

She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Grace Woody; her husband Vincent Butera; her siblings Beryl Woody, Sue Bettinger Mabry Woody, Maenell Cox and Hormel Woody. She is survived by her siblings: Ivanna Duke and John Woody; her children: John (Joyce) Butera, Sid Butera and Joseph (Daphne) Butera; 2 grandchildren: Emily Butera and Blake Dobbins; 3 great grandchildren and a host of special nieces, nephews and cousins.

Martha was a giving soul and felt she was “put on this earth to do good”. She always made sure that everyone she knew was fed and clothed. She never met a stranger and her kindness knew no bounds. Martha also lovingly known as “Mimie” and “Big Moma” requested in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to Cripple Children’s or the Girl’s club both of which she credited with saving her life.

The family will receive friends at Ridout’s Valley Chapel in Homewood on Monday, November 23rd from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. The funeral service will also be at Ridout’s Valley Chapel, on Tuesday, November 24th at 11:00 a.m. At the request of Martha the burial will be private.