Helen White Butler

Helen White Butler, age 89, of Clarksville, TN went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, in Savannah, Georgia.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, from 5 to 8 p.m. at McReynolds-Nave & Larson Funeral Home and again on Thursday from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the funeral home.

A graveside service will be held at 12 noon on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at Greenwood Cemetery, Greenwood Avenue, Clarksville. Dr. Roger Freeman will officiate.

Helen entered this life on December 29, 1935, in Clarksville, TN to the late Joseph N. White and Kathleen Watts White. She was born at home on Current Street. Growing up on Greenwood Avenue, she attended and graduated from Clarksville High School in 1954. As a young woman she worked as a bookkeeper for her father and brother’s business, Joe White & Son Plumbing, Heating, Sheet Metal & Roofing on the original Public Square in downtown Clarksville. Helen met and married James F. Butler and together they owned B & B Outdoor Advertising and were partners in KBK Outdoor Advertising. Through the years, Helen was exceptionally involved in various organizations. She was a member of First Baptist Church, Clarksville. She enjoyed traveling, especially with her family. She was even able to experience the joy of traveling though the Holy Land with her First Baptist Church family. She was most thankful for making fond memories with her mother and dear friends, John and Elizabeth Laida, while on that trip. Helen was also a member of the local Xi Beta Alpha Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi. She pledged in Clarksville for seven years before relocating to Okeechobee, Florida. While in Florida, she was the charter founder and President of Beta Sigma Phi, Xi Theta Phi Chapter. She held the offices of President, Vice President, Corresponding Secretary, Parliamentarian, City Council President, and had also served on every major committee. Both the Clarksville and Okeechobee chapters were 3-star recipients; the highest rating a chapter was eligible to receive. In 1971 she was listed among Outstanding Young Women of America. Helen was also named the Valentine Queen in the 90’s for a one-year term. Helen was a member of the Red Hat Society. She stood out when it came to developing and promoting friendships to each member in each organization she was a part of. She assisted in raising money for various organizations and hosted many events over the years. Helen has met so many friends through her involvement in various organizations. She was also a loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend. She was a great cook and entertainer. She was especially known for her homemade cakes, country breakfasts, sausage and biscuit pinwheels, and chicken and dumplings just to name a few. Helen had a sweet tooth and was unable to resist a good bowl of ice cream. Last year, Helen attended her 70th class reunion. This was a special gathering for her and her classmates. 

Helen had a beautiful soul and a captivating smile. She never met a stranger, always radiated positivity, and found the good in people. She tried to spread joy wherever she went. Her kindness and warmth lit up every room she entered. In her passing, her gentle spirit continues to inspire us all to be better people.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and compassion that will continue to touch the lives of those who knew her, even in her absence. 

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, James F. Butler; son, Thomas Wesley Barber; daughter-in-law, Susan Barber; brother, Howard White, and nephew, Stephen White.

Survivors include her daughter, Lesly Joleen Fleming (David); grandchildren, Mary Kathleen Farless (Brandon), and Joseph Marshall Barber; great-grandchildren, Presley Jolene Barber, Charlie Wren Farless, Hayden Wray Farless, and Wesson David Barber. Helen also leaves behind her sister-in-law, Jean White, and her nieces and nephew, Laura, Jackie, and David. 

Serving as pallbearers will be Brandon Farless, Joseph Marshall Barber, David Davis, Al Radford, Dr. DJ Davis, and Jim Fallis.

Arrangements are in the care of McReynolds- Nave & Larson Funeral Home, 1209 Madison St, Clarksville, TN 37040.