Lula Merle Butler

Lula Merle Thurston Williams Butler of Independence, Missouri and the second youngest of eight children, was born on March 28, 1930, to the late James A. Thurston, Sr. and Exie Mae (Holmes)Thurston in Canfield, Arkansas.

When Lula was five years old, the Thurston Family moved from Canfield, Arkansas to Forrest City, Arkansas. There she attended Kynette United Methodist Church and at an early age made the decision to accept Christ. While growing up in Forrest City, Lula received her education through the Arkansas School District, graduating from Lincoln High School in 1948.

On January 1, 1949, Lula was united in holy matrimony to Preston T. Williams Sr. in Forrest City, Arkansas. Three sons were born to that union: Preston T. Williams Jr., Michael Williams, and Mark Williams, Sr. Lula eventually moved to Kansas City, Missouri with her three sons and established a new home. She continued her growth in Christ and became a member of Ward Chapel AME Church. Several years later Lula met and subsequently married August M. Butler on April 7, 1967. During her union with August, Lula became a member of the Christian Science Church. At the time of her transition, Lula and August had been married for 53 years.

Lula “wore many hats” and she diligently tended to many responsibilities inside and outside of the home. Lula worked as a cashier for several years while employed at The Store Without A Name. She continued to work in the merchandising/grocery sector and eventually retired from Kroger Grocery Store in 1988.

Even though she was a working mom and wife, Lula always made time for her family. Her special talent to emote love through her cooking was appreciated and transcended through each generation. While growing up, each of her sons had a special request for their birthday every year. Peter requested a tunnel of fudge cake; Michael a yellow cake with chocolate icing; and Mark a German chocolate cake. As the years passed on, Lula proudly accepted the honor of being a loving grandmother to her grandchildren, and her special talents were now kindly summoned by them. Favorite requests expanded to Lula’s famous iced sugar cookies, sweet potato pies, mincemeat cookies, fudge, and peanut brittle. She was a “Master Baker”. Family gatherings during the holidays, birthdays, and special events were never missed by Lula. She particularly enjoyed acknowledging each grandchild on their birthday and Christmas with a gift. Lula’s ability to nurture and tend to the needs of her loved ones was noticed. She also exuded a genuine, kind spirit that radiated through her smile and actions. Ultimately, this attribute is the most loved and will always be remembered.

The Lord called Lula home on August 19, 2020. She was 90 years old.

Lula was preceded in death by her parents. Also preceding her in death are her “Baby Boy” Mark Williams, Sr. and seven siblings: James A. Thurston Jr., Harvey Thurston, Alda Mae Thurston Higgins, “The Twins” Floyd and Lloyd Thurston, Robert Thurston, and Hazel Thurston in infancy.

Lula leaves to mourn her passing and to rejoice her homegoing: a loving husband, August M. Butler of Kansas City, Missouri; two loving sons, Preston Williams, Jr. (Sandra) of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Michael T. Williams of Inglewood, California; a brother, Rubie Thurston of Erie, Pennsylvania; a special daughter-in-law, Territerrain Williams of Kansas City, Missouri; ten grandchildren: Kim (Nicole)Williams, Kevan (Erica) Williams, Cetera Key, Miracle Williams, Cullin Maxwell Williams, Morgan Carter all of Little Rock, Arkansas; Mark Williams, Jr. (Brandi), Terrence Higgins (Shani), Erica Williams, and Ciera Williams, all of Kansas City, Missouri. Fourteen great-grandchildren: Madison Martin, Faith Williams, Jordan Williams, Brooks Davis, Xavier Williams, Summer Williams, Aden Williams, Brandon Keens, Sydney Higgins, Thomas Higgins, Ma’Kiyah Roland, Michael Lee Roland Jr., Noriyah Brown, and Deron Scott Jr.; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Lula’s life was an autograph that will continue to appear in the memories of those whom she has left behind.