Patricia Ann Butler

Patricia A. Butler (“Pat”), age 82, was born in Birmingham, AL to the late Addie Moon (Gentry-Burrell) and Moses Gentry. She was their only child. Her father later married the late Gladys Gentry, and Pat gained a sister. Pat and her mother relocated to Ohio, where she attended Akron Public Schools and graduated from East High School in 1961. In 1960, Pat gave birth to her firstborn son, Tony Gentry. She later married James Grandison, and to this union two daughters were born, Doreen and Denise. On May 28, 1988, Pat married the love of her life, Frederick Butler, blending their families with daughters Clarice and Crystalynne and son Anthony. Pat began her career working as a Laboratory Technician at St. Thomas Hospital in Akron, OH. She soon attended the University of Akron, where she earned an Associate’s Degree in Library Assistance. This advanced her career, leading to her position as a Library Assistant at the University of Akron, where she worked for several years. Pat loved the Lord, Jesus Christ and was a devoted member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Akron, OH. She served on the Usher Board but also discovered a passion for catering while serving her community through the West Akron Community Center, better known as WACC. Pat was one of many dedicated volunteers who prepared food for monthly Sunday Buffets and Friday Fish Fry’s. She played an active role in mentoring the next generation in servicing the community and loving people. As a result of her experience with the community center, Pat later gained employment with Goodyear working in the food service field. In 1996, Pat and Freddie moved to Rex, Georgia. Pat found her church home at Beulah Missionary Baptist Church in Decatur, GA, under the Pastoral leadership of Reverend Jerry D. Black. She was a devoted member serving on the Usher Board. She loved her Pastor and church home. Pat continued her career in Georgia, at Atlanta Metropolitan State College in the accounting department. She later worked in the Accounting Department at Georgia State University-Perimeter College. During tax season, she also worked part-time as a Front Desk Clerk for H&R Block. Pat was an entrepreneur at heart. She enjoyed decorating cakes for birthdays, weddings and special occasions. She also sold Tupperware and Plants. After retiring from Georgia State University-Perimeter College, she played a vital role behind the scenes, assisting her husband, Freddie, with his trucking company. Pat was well known for her skills in the kitchen and loved opening her home for food and fellowship. She was surrounded by woman who quickly became sisters and lifelong friends. She loved to travel, spend time with friends, attend card parties, and enjoy holiday cookouts. She faithfully supported her husband in his bowling league and was his team’s biggest cheerleader. She took great pride in sending birthday cards with a monetary gift to each of her grandchildren. When the great grandchildren came along, the tradition transferred to them. Pat will dearly be missed for her loving and generous heart, her quick wit and sharp tongue, and willingness to lend a helping hand whenever she was needed. Pat was no stranger to health challenges and faced each one with unwavering faith in her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. She was a pillar of strength, endurance, determination and faith. After years of dialysis, two hip replacements within the past two years, and countless rehabilitation sessions to regain her strength, she continued to endure with grace and courage. As her health continued to decline and she became increasingly dependent on the care of her loved ones, she decided she had enough. It was said by a few, the week before her transition, she expressed, she was tired, she had been calling on her beloved husband and son-in-law, who had proceeded her in death, to help her, as well as her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. On July 3, 2026 at 3:05 pm the call was answered and Pat entered her rest. Pat was proceeded in death by her parents Addie Burrell and Moses (Gladys) Gentry, her beloved husband Frederick R. Butler; daughter and son-in-law Clarice (Charles) Butler-Starks. She leaves to honor and cherish her memory, Sons, Tony Gentry of Rex, GA ; Anthony Collins of Akron, OH; Daughters, Doreen Grandison of Akron, OH; Denise (Roosevelt) Favor of Buford GA; Crystalynne (Trevar Fletcher) Butler of Akron, OH; Sister Brenda Woods of Birmingham, AL; sisters-in-law Constance Lee, Qwinita Bell, La Nettra Tomlinson of Akron, OH; a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family and lifelong friends.

Tributes

Patricia Ann Butler

January 12, 1944 - July 3, 2026