Helen Antoinette Knox Butts

Helen Antoinette Knox Butts, widow of Stephen William Butts, departed this earth for her heavenly reward, May 24, 2008. Mrs. Butts was living in Los Alamos, New Mexico at the time of her death, where she was lovingly cared for by her daughter and son-in-law, Martha and Terry Hawkins and her granddaughters, Heather and Holly. Helen was born in the High Falls Community, Oconee County, South Carolina, July 12, 1907, eldest child of the late James Franklin (Jim) and Lou Ada Grogan Knox. She was the last surviving member of her family. Her grandparents were the late Arthur and Sarah Louise Whitmire Knox and Thomas W. and Martha Jane Mauldin Grogan. An aristocratic beauty whose grace, charm, and the perfect manners of a well-bred Southern lady, forbade boasting on her part. Only recently did the family learn about Helen's rich lineage. She was a descendant of John Nean Craig, a Revolutionary War soldier and his wife, Catherine Wilson Craig, who lived in the Old Pickens District of SC and who are listed in the Founding Families of the State of South Carolina, an organization that recognizes ancestors who were in South Carolina on or before May 23, 1788 when South Carolina was granted statehood. Additionally, her grandfather, Arthur Knox served in Company E, First South Carolina Rifles in the War Between the States. She attended Keowee High School where she excelled in academics and athletics. She won a gold medal for her oratorical skills in a declamation contest, an award she treasured all of her life. Helen was also an outstanding member of her high school basketball team. Upon completion of her education, she went to Spartanburg, SC to learn about textiles. A short time later, she moved to the village of Newry to live and work. It was there that she met her future husband, Steve. They were married October 5, 1929 at the New Hope Baptist Church Parsonage by the Reverend F.M. Julian. Helen had attended New Hope Baptist Church as a young girl. Helen and Steve lived in the village of Newry where they were both employed in the mill. In later years, Steve became the overseer of weaving at the Courtenay Mill, and after retiring, served as the Magistrate of Seneca. From their union of love four daughters, Mary Lou, Bonnie Jean, Linda Ann, and Martha Diana, were born. Mrs. Butts was a longtime member of Lydia Baptist Church, Newry, where she served in various capacities. Together Mr. and Mrs. Butts were members of the Order of the Eastern Star, Courtenay Chapter # 184. They jointly served as Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron of the Courtenay chapter. The home of Steve and Helen Butts was always open to visitors. The large front porch was an inviting place to sit or swing and talk on summer days. Helen was noted for her culinary skills, and no one went away hungry at mealtime. After Helen retired from the mill, she lived with her daughter, Bonnie, in Paragould, Arkansas for a while, visiting and staying in Newry during the summer. As her health worsened, she went to live with her daughter, Martha, Los Alamos, New Mexico. As long as she was able to travel, she made her usual treks back to her beloved Newry. However, with the encouragement and assistance of many caring and supportive friends and neighbors, along with home visits by Dr. Daniel Smith of Seneca, Helen lived independently in her home until the age of 96. Until her death, she was the oldest living resident of Newry, South Carolina. Helen and Steve were determined that all of their children would pursue higher education. This desire is evidenced by the accomplishments of their children: Mary Lou B. Eidson, Medical Technician, Anderson Memorial Hospital; Bonnie B. Robertson, RN, Anderson Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, Linda B. Zahler, RN, SC Baptist Hospital School of Nursing; and Martha B. Hawkins, BA, Southern Wesleyan University. Furthermore, Mr. and Mrs. Butts encouraged children through out the village of Newry to get all the education they could. All nine of Helen's grandchildren are college graduates, some with advanced degrees. They include Jim Eidson, Jr., former member of the Dallas Cowboys, businessman; Michael Eidson, former rookie with the Pittsburg Steelers, businessman; Theresa R. Thomas, pharmacist; Cindy R. Halbrook, educator; Jay Robertson, coach and educator; Eddie Zahler, US Probation Officer; District of Maryland; Lori Z. Barker, educator; Dr. Heather Hawkins, scientist; and Holly H. Saporito, patent litigation attorney. Helen was a lifelong, avid reader. She was knowledgeable in almost any topic, and her keen intellectual skills brought great admiration from those who knew her. On her 100th birthday, which she celebrated in Los Alamos among friends and relatives, she proudly read her cards, commented on those in attendance and their gifts, and profusely thanked everyone for coming to her festive party. In New Mexico, Helen was once again embraced by a community of kind, attentive friends, neighbors, and members of the medical and spiritual community. Her spiritual needs were met by Dr. Charles McCullough and the members of White Rock Baptist Church, Los Alamos. Cleo Montoya, Pam Chacon, and Nicole Collins were her compassionate caregivers. Mrs. Butts is survived by three daughters and three sons-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. James M. Eidson (Mary Lou), Nashville, TN; Mrs. Jerry Robertson (Bonnie), Paragould, AK; Mr. Edwin Zahler, Conway, SC; and Col. (Ret.) and Mrs. H. Terry Hawkins (Martha), Los Alamos, NM. Additional survivors include her grandchildren and their spouses, Mr. and Mrs. Jim Eidson (Jana Beth) Dallas, TX; Mr. and Mrs. Michael Eidson (Marian) Nashville, TN; Mr. and Mrs. Kent Thomas (Theresa), Arkadelphia, AK; Mr. and Mrs. Keith Halbrook (Cindy) Paragould, AK; Mr. and Mrs. Jay Robertson (Jennifer) Paragould, AK; Mr. Eddie Zahler, Baltimore, MD; Mr. and Mrs. William Barker (Lori); Dr. Heather Hawkins, Los Alamos, NM; and Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Saporito (Holly), Atlanta, GA. There are thirteen great grand children who survive their very much loved "MeMa." They are Taylor, Grant, and Savannah Eidson; Amanda and Blake Eidson; Peyton and Peri Thomas; Chase and Alexis Halbrook; Grant and Megan Zahler; and Weber and Zade Barker. A special nephew and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Richard (Dickey and Thalia) Tripp, Piedmont, SC survive their Aunt Helen. Family members of Mrs. Butts's late husband who survive her are Norie B. Shedd, Louise B. Powell, Margie B. Lee, Carlie Butts, Willie Butts, Frances B. Simmons and Burt F. Butts. A beloved family friend, Angela B. Hamilton, Seneca, SC, who survives Mrs. Butts, was always affectionately referred to, by Helen, as her "other daughter." Admirable qualities attributable to Helen, but not limited to those given, are a deep and abiding reverence for her God, an unquestionable character, a great respect for all persons, an encourager to all particularly the less fortunate, and a devotion beyond reproach to her husband and family whom she loved with such unselfishness and willing sacrifice. Her legacy of a well-lived life is epitomized by the scripture found in Matthew 25: 34-36 "…Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison, and you came to visit me." Preceding Mrs. Butts in death, in addition to her husband and parents, are a daughter, Linda B. Zahler (2003); a son-in-law, Jerry Robertson (2003); two sisters, Dorothy Knox Tripp and Mittylene Lou Ada Knox. Endearing in-laws of Mrs. Butts who are deceased are Jessie Butts, Ida B. Burton, Tom Butts, Cokie B. Marcengill, Jake Butts, Clem Butts, Lem Butts, Nora Butts, Otis Butts, Lewis Butts, and John Henry Butts. Services for Helen Antoinette Knox Butts will be conducted on Friday, May 30, 2008 at the Davenport Funeral Home Chapel, West Union, SC. Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral at 1:00, a Service of Celebration at 2:00, and the interment, 3:00 pm, in the family plot at Oconee Memorial Park, Seneca, SC. Friends and relatives are invited to Lydia Baptist Church, Newry, for a reception and dinner honoring the memory of a wife, mother, daughter, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, cousin, friend, neighbor, and a true child of God.