Mary Elizabeth "Sister" Butler , departed this earthly life December 20, 2025. She was born January 23, 1949 in Jackson, Mississippi the daughter of Rev. George Jr. and Blanche Hines. Mary lived in Rockford since 1967 coming from Jackson. She married Willie A. Butler, Sr; August 9, 1969 in Rockford. Mary was employed as a Registered Nurse, supervising at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center 36 years before retiring. She was a member of New Fellowship Baptist Church, serving on the Mothers Board, in the Choir, Nurses Guild and Church Secretary. Mary was a member of The Black Nurses Coalition. Mary was a certified CPR Instructor, certifying many in the Rockford area. She graduated from Summer Hill High School in Clinton, MS  and received her Masters Degree.           .

Mary leaves to cherish many loving memories, her husband of 56 years, Deacon Willie Butler, Sr; daughter, Mary M. Kitchen; three sons, Willie A. Jr. (Melissa) Butler, Joshua J. Butler, and Gabriel J. Butler; seven grandchildren, Xavier, Jaylen, Genell, Kyrie, Moesha, Malachi, and Camaya; and one great granddaughter, McKenzie; two sisters, Ora (Rev. Robert) Johnson and Betty (Deacon Jimmie) Saulter; brother, Pastor Hosea  (Sherian) Hines; and  sister in law, Eurslyn Hines; a host of nieces, nephew, cousins other relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her parents; two brothers, George Hines III, and Sam Hines; and three sisters, Jennie Hines Robey, Gwendolyne  Hines-Harris and Lucy Hines.

Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 2, 2026 at Providence Baptist Church 2209 Clifton Ave. Burial in Arlington Memorial Park. Visitation will be held 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.