Mrs. Mary Dean Freeman-Butler

UTICA – Mrs. Mary Dean Freeman-Butler, age 81, went home to be the Lord early Monday morning, April 7, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. Born in Abbeville, Alabama on September 11, 1943 to the late Freddie and Ruby Jewel (Carter) Freeman. She graduated high school from Henry County Training School after which she relocated to Utica, New York. On August 26, 1984 she married the love of her life Milton C. Butler. They shared 29 years together before his passing on January 1, 2013. Mrs. Butler was employed as a Certified Nurse’s Aide at the Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center from which she retired in 1997. She cared for her patients with compassion and a true concern for their wellbeing. She enjoyed conversing with them and learning about their lives while ensuring that they felt seen and cared for. She was a loving wife, phenomenal mother, exceptional grandmother, a devoted sister, an amazing aunt and a trusted friend. She loved spending time with her family and friends who in turn enjoyed being around her. Mary Dean had an uncanny sense of humor and a warm loving manner. You could always depend on her for wise and honest advice with instructions to pray and depend on God. She had many sayings which some family members referred to as coming from The Book of Mary. She was a superb cook, family and friends enjoyed her carrot cake, pepper steak, coconut cookies, pot roast and many other favorites. She never measured anything because as she said, “I am a Country Girl and Country Girls don’t need to measure.” As a spiritual woman of great faith she was devoted to her church St. Matthew’s Temple Church of God in Christ, Utica, New York where she was also a faithful member of the choir for many years. She was a choir soloist for such songs as “If I Suffer” and “He Won’t Fail You”. A great supporter and encourager of young people. She would often say when times were difficult or trying to “Pray and ask God to give you the strength to endure what He has allowed.” Mrs. Mary Dean Freeman-Butler leaves to cherish her memory children, Durene Brown, Christopher Freeman (Laconduas); grandchildren, Michael Brown, Khalil Chance and Kali Freeman; great-grandchildren, Naima and Rahim Zorome; godchildren, Vanessa Tucker, Justine Samuel Ampofo (Kelvin), Christine Samuel and Alan Henderson; brother, Henry C. Freeman (the late Barbara Freeman); sister, Mamie Dell Martin (the late Robert Martin); sisters-in-law, Deborah Freeman (the late Bobby Freeman), and Mary Freeman (the late Charles “Bubba” Freeman). She further leaves her memory to a host of beloved and cherished nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins; in-laws; and dear friends of a lifetime. She was additionally predeceased by her siblings whom she lovingly remembered, Everee McKay and Betty Freeman; brothers, Quincy Freeman, Willie “Billy” Freeman, Charles “Bubba” Freeman, George Freeman, Bobby Freeman, and Raymond Freeman; godson Lyle Johnson; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Henderson and Eddie (Harris) Butler. A special and heartfelt thank you from the family goes out to The Pines at Utica Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, Second Floor Staff for their kind and compassionate care of Mary Dean. And from The Book of Mary, “Make good memories.” Visitation will be held on Friday, April 18, 2025 from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., at St. Matthew’s Temple Church of God in Christ, 110 Washington St. Mary’s Home Going Service and Celebration of Life will commence at 12:00 p.m. at the church. Interment will take place in Forest Hill Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Mrs. Mary Dean Freeman-Butler

September 11, 1943 - April 7, 2025