1947
Ann E. Butler
2023
Ann E. Butler
September 4, 1947 — December 19, 2023
Forestville
United in love and inspired by the memory of an extraordinary soul, we come together to honor the vibrant life of Ann Elizabeth Butler. Ann walked softly and contributed light and joy to this earth. Her life was a symphony of love, resilience, and unshakeable faith that left an indelible mark on the lives of all who were fortunate enough to have known her. Born on September 4, 1947 in Walterboro, South Carolina to the late Allen Pringle and the late Annie Bryant Pringle, Ann's journey commenced with a profound act of maternal love. In the face of a perilous childbirth, Ann's mother, Annie, died in childbirth, after choosing to have the doctor focus on safeguarding Ann's life over her own. She was entrusted to the care of her aunt, Rivannah Crosby, in Orangeburg, South Carolina. It is against this backdrop of love and sacrifice that set the stage for a life lived with purpose.
On December 19, 2023, Ann peacefully transitioned after her courageous fight with various health issues. She was prayerfully escorted to the gates of Heaven, surrounded by the love of her daughters, family, friends and clergy.
Known by various names-from Ann, Aunt Ann, Aunt Liz, Butler, Elizabeth, Liz, Ms. B, and lately as "Sunshine"-Ann's identity resonated with the richness of her diverse experiences.
Growing up in the segregated South, she faced the challenges and indignities of racism at that time, including picking cotton and tobacco, shaping her into an advocate for civil rights, emphasizing the importance of education and voting.
After graduating from Wilkerson High School, she migrated to for a new beginning Washington DC, welcomed by her brothers Nelson, Ezekiel, and Isaiah Pringle. She attended Tempie Business School and took classes at Howard University Saturday School. Her journey included marriages to Leo Abdulmalik and Joseph Butler, blessing her with two daughters, Tina and Tracey.
Ann's spiritual journey, spanning her youth at SL Paul's Baptist Church, converting to Catholicism and receiving several sacraments at Church of the Holy Spirit, and later joining Hunter Memorial A.M.E. She left a lasting impact on congregations, contributing to the New Life Choir, as well as serving as an usher, on the Women's Missionary Society, and on the Hunter Harvest Outreach Ministry. Prior to her death, she received the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.
Her professional life was committed to public service. She her career working for the Department of Social Service before going on to contribute 34 years to Prince George's County Public Schools, retiring as the Principal's Secretary and Bookkeeper from Magnolia Elementary.
Ann's hands, voice and time spent where her instruments of love. Her diverse artistic talents, including singing, professional cake decoration, ceramics, writing and gardening, showcased her versatile and creative spirit. Her culinary skills were legendary. She marveled in using her talents to celebrate, uplift and serve others. Not only did she enjoy travelling with others, but really loved to shop, always looking for the perfect gifts for everyone.
She suffered gracefully throughout her infirmity, rarely complaining but always declaring that
she was happy to be alive. Learning to text during the pandemic, she sent encouraging messages to approximately 30 women, with her daily list growing to nearly 150. Additionally, you could always expect a card in the mail from Ann for any occasion or simply to brighten your day.
Ann's devotion to family ensures her legacy thrives through her daughters Tina and Tracey, grandsons Christian and Colby Mullins, and a vast extended family. Her infectious joy cultivated lifelong friendships and honorary motherhoods.
Though she is gone from us for now, we are humbled that her spirit is in the presence of our Lord and that she gets to meet her own mother. May her memory be a source of solace and inspiration to us all.
Here to cherish her memory and carry on her legacy are her loving daughters, Tina Curtis, [sq., and Tracey Mullins; a son-in-law Anthony Mullins; grandsons Christian Mullins and Colby Mullins; mother-in-law Annabelle Curtis; a special cousin who was raised with her as a brother, Rip McLeod; a step sister, two step-sons, three sisters-in law; her beloved nieces and nephews, step-grandchildren, cousins, and a host of other friends and family. She also leaves her dear and devoted friend of several years, Ricky Butler. Preceding her in death were her four loving brothers, Lisco Pringle, Nelson Pringle, Ezekiel Pringle and Isaiah Pringle; as well as Mildred Crosby Johnson and Shelly Wilson, who were like sisters.
Ann's family is establishing a non-profit called Swett Ann's to continue spreading her acts
of kindness to communities. To view Information about Sweet Ann's and to see her
memorial gallery, log on to sweetanns.org or scan this QR code:
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"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course. I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at the day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing." (2 Timothy 4:7-8)
Holy Family, Davidsonville, will be live-streaming the funeral Mass for Ann Butler, scheduled for Friday, January 5th at 11:30am.
Please click the link to view the live-stream: https://www.facebook.com/holyfamilydavidsonville
To send flowers to the family in memory of Ann E. Butler, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Friday, January 5, 2024
11:00 - 11:30 am (Eastern time)
Holy Family Catholic Church
Funeral Service
Friday, January 5, 2024
Starts at 11:30 am (Eastern time)
Holy Family Catholic Church
Burial
Friday, January 5, 2024
Starts at 1:30 pm (Eastern time)
Resurrection Cemetery
Guestbook
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