Velma Butler

CHARLESTON - Velma R. Butler, 82, died 1:22 a.m. Sept. 5, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston.

Born Jan. 17, 1920, in Hope, Ark., daughter of the late James Henry and Mittie Jackson Spray, she lived in Charleston most of her life. She was a cook for Sands Cafe and then Bessie's Restaurant for more than 60 years before retiring in 1994. She attended the Church of Christ in Charleston.

Survivors include: two sons and daughters-in-law, Dallas and Alicia Butler of Charleston and Jim and Billie Freeland of Red Bay, Ala.; and six grandchildren, James Booth of Garner, N.C., Jon Freeland of Jefferson City, Brad Freeland of Belmont, Miss., Jennifer Gray of Saltillo, Miss., and Erica Odle and Dallas Butler Jr. of Charleston; and six great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by one son, Donnie Freeland.

Visitation is from 9:30 a.m. Friday until service time at 3 p.m. at McMikle Funeral Home. Bill Bradley, minister of the Morley Church of Christ, will officiate.

Burial will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery near Charleston.