Willa Dean Butler

Willa Dean Butler, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, peacefully passed away on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at the remarkable age of 102. Born on July 31, 1924, in Gordon, Texas, to Boyd Homer Dickson and Edna Wallace Dickson, Willa Dean's journey through life was one marked by love, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to her family and community.

Growing up in the charming towns of Gordon and Thurber, Willa Dean forged deep bonds with her surroundings and the people within them. On March 29, 1942, she united her life with A.J. Butler in Weatherford, Texas. Together, they created a loving home, moving from Gorman to Rising Star in 1945, where they would plant roots and flourish.

A devoted member of the First Baptist Church in Rising Star, Willa Dean embraced a life of service, always ready to lend a helping hand or share a kind word. Her green thumb shone brightly in her garden; she took immense joy in nurturing her plants and delighting in the fruits of her labor through canning.

Willa Dean leaves behind a rich legacy through her daughters, Sylvia Draper of Big Springs and Jetta Darr (Gerry) of Rising Star, Texas. Her legacy continues with her cherished grandsons-Micah Butler (Stephanie), Jeffery Butler (Amy), Harley Butler (Brittany), Travis Butler, James Draper, David Draper (Susan), Jason Darr (Jonel), and Steve Darr-as well as her 14 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren, who will carry her spirit forward.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, A.J. Butler; their infant daughter, Verna Marie Butler; and their son, Harold Butler.

Funeral services honoring Willa Dean will be held in the coming days, where family and friends will gather to celebrate her extraordinary life. A burial will follow in her beloved Rising Star, Texas, where she will rest among the cherished memories she created in her community.

As we mourn the loss of Willa Dean Butler, we remember her laughter, her nurturing spirit, and the many lives she touched with her kindness. She will be dearly missed but forever remembered in the hearts of those she loved.