In Memory
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Toni Lynn (Wiser) Butts
September 22, 1966 ~ January 29, 2025 (age 58)
We gather in heart and spirit to celebrate the life of our one and only Toni Butts, also known as Lynn.
Born on September 22, 1966, in Elkhart County, IN, Lynn painted life with a vibrant palette of compassion, inspiration, love, and courage. She was a beacon of resilience, a testament to the power of faith, and the embodiment of unconditional love. Her light continues to shine in our hearts, even as we bid goodbye to her physical presence. Her radiant spirit echoed the words of Proverbs 31:25: "She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future." Lynn was the queen of compassion, reaching out to those in need as a former Salvation Army Soldier. She was a graduate of LaSalle High School Class of 1984. She found joy in writing, speaking, and poetry, channels through which she expressed her deep love for God, her family and humanity. Despite her personal challenges, Lynn was never defined by her circumstances. She was a courageous fighter who battled cancer and emerged victorious.
Her resilience earned her the esteemed Applegate Award, a testament to her indomitable spirit. Lynn was a woman of faith who lived passionately, loved profoundly, and inspired many. Lynn’s love for her family was unparalleled.
She was and still is, in spirit a loving mother. She is survived by her baby Sierra (Alexander) Peate,(Pretty Precious & Maxwell), her son, Emerson Craig Butts Jr. (Pookers), and her oldest daughter Bre-Anne Butts,(BreBre). Her bonus kids include Eric, Ray, Ashley, and Trisha(Harvey) Johnson. Her “granny babies” include Airamia, Travis Jr, Forehver, Ayden, Tre, Evie, Riah, Ana, Alyssa, Harmonie, Rella, Jocelynn, Naveah “Snuggles” and Alexander Jr. She has many siblings whom include, Joseph (Helen) Bouterse of Indianapolis, IN, Jeff (Robin) Bouterse of Colon, MI, Jim Bouterse of Warsaw, IN, Rhonda (Jim)Stover of Cassopolis. MI, David Proctor of Cassopolis MI, Julie Daum of Cassopolis, MI, Julie (Dan) O’Hara, Deidra(Johnny) Baldridge, Darcy (Wade) Vargo, Del-Marie Hershberger, Diana Brown, Deanne Carter, Dawn Jones, Deborah (Ronald) Cannon, Heidi-Lynn Rathbone, Denise Ford, Daniel, Dwayne, Douglas, Donald and David Hershberger, Donna Herald, Devony Hersheberger, and her “Sister-Niece” Emily (Marquise) Brown. Lynn’s world revolved around her grandkids, nephews, nieces, sisters, brothers, and well just family in general, a few special friends, her shopping buddy Jaz and her sisters in Christ, Ana and Nikki along with her extended family at Hope Ministries in South Bend, IN. She is preceded in death by her ex-husband. her “high school sweetheart” Emerson Craig Butts, Sr.; her mother, Sharon Proctor; her non-biological father, Harry Proctor; sisters Deana Hershberger, Dolly Hershberger, Danielle Luten, and her best friend. Michael Tyrone Newhouse. Lynn was a devoted mother and granny to her children and “granny babies” and they were the compass that directed her life. Courageous and spirited, Lynn wasn't afraid to voice her opinions and tell it like it is. Her zest for life was infectious, and her faith in God unwavering. As Mother Teresa once said, "We can do no great things, only small things with great love." Lynn lived each day with this belief, touching lives with her warmth, generosity, and kindness.
Her spirit was a magnet that drew people towards her, and her enthusiasm ignited a spark in those fortunate to have known her. As we mourn the loss of this extraordinary woman, we also celebrate the remarkable life she led, and the countless ways in which she enriched our own. Lynn may not be with us in person, but her spirit, her laughter, and her love will forever echo in our hearts. She left an indelible mark on everyone she met, her love and compassion echoing in their lives. As we mourn her loss, we also celebrate the remarkable life of Toni “Lynn” Butts. We remember her not for how she left this world, but for how she lived: a courageous, inspiring, compassionate, and loving woman who touched the lives of many. In honor of Toni Lynn Butts, I encourage everyone who knew her to share their memories, stories, and photos on her memorial page. Let us remember her legacy, celebrate her life, and keep her spirit alive in our hearts. WE LOVE YOU MAMA (B.E.S.T)
Memorial Service
Saturday
February 15, 2025
3:00 PM
Alford's Mortuary Chapel
1222 Napier Street
South Bend, Indiana 46601
02/11/2025 djb
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