Betty June Butterworth

Betty June Conley Butterworth, 88, left this mortal life on February 29, 2016. She is survived by her three children, Eric, Rebecca and Scott; 9 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Rodney Demar Butterworth; parents, John Smith Conley and Verna Lee Conley, née Murray; and her older brothers, Murray and John. She was a singing talent at the age of 4, visiting neighborhood porches to sing for coins in the Great Depression. Discovered in a high school production, she was given private music lessons from a well-to-do widow (an early teacher of Van Cliburn) who obtained for her a scholarship to study at Centenary College. Two of the highlights of her college experience were to be a soloist on USO shows and to sing in a leading part opposite a visiting star from the Met. During her married life she sang for her church, music clubs, business conventions, and went on tour with Fred Waring's group. In later life she sang for events at SVU in Buena Vista, church Institute classes, veterans' luncheons (POWR), and recorded a disc of favorite songs. Following her husband's death she wowed local people singing for Memorial Day and July 4th celebrations. Her life was filled with beauty and the giving of her time and talents. She always put her family first. She was a staunch advocate for her children, being motivated by a heart filled with pure love, and she encouraged that attribute of Christ in her family. She was a follower of Jesus Christ whom she knew as her Savior and Redeemer. She served in many lay roles in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints giving most of her service in music callings. Her private service to individuals was a hallmark of her life. She was a friend to all. She respected and championed the underdog having been born in a log cabin in a poorer part of a small town in East Texas just before the Great Depression. She left a great legacy of love and service among her family and fellowmen.
Family and friends may gather Thursday (tonight) from 6 to 8pm at Bennett & Barden Funeral Home, 3215 Anderson Hwy.(Rt.60), Powhatan. Funeral services will be held Friday at 11am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Capeway Road, Powhatan. Interment will be at 4:30pm at the Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Amelia.