BUTTERWORTH, Debra

(Maiden Name: Head)

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ October 15, 2010 Debra Head Butterworth, 51, of Overgaard died Tuesday, Oct. 12, in Mesa. She was born Jan. 1, 1959, in Troy, Ala., to Davis and Mary (Norton) Head. She was raised in Statesboro, Ga. and Union, SC, graduating from Union High School. She attended the University of South Carolina, graduating with her Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism in 1980 with honors in just 3-½ years. She then worked for the Beaufort Gazette in Beaufort, SC. She was married to Richard Butterworth May 15, 1982, in Union, SC. They went to Houston, Texas in 1982 where she worked for the Union Baptist Association. When Rick attended seminary in Wake Forest, NC, she worked for the University of North Carolina helping him through. Their first church was in Whitaker, NC. They then started a church in Beaufort, SC where they were for eleven years before coming to Overgaard in 2000 where Rick pastors First Southern Baptist Church. Debra spent her time as a free lance writer and reporter along with home schooling their boys. She devoted her time to family, church and writing. She loved the Lord and her family and what God called her to do, serving as a pastor’s wife. Survivors include her husband, Pastor Rick of the home; three sons, Paul Butterworth of Louisville, Kent., Michael Butterworth of Central Asia and David Butterworth of Louisville, Kent.; brother Thomas Head (Lori) of Jonesville, SC. She was preceded in death by her parents; a twin brother Dennis and her mother in law, Cora Gildersleeve. A celebration of life will be held at noon, Saturday, Oct. 16, at First Southern Baptist Church in Overgaard. Inurnment will take place at a later date in Alabama. Memorial donations may be made to International Mission Board, 3806 Monument Avenue, P.O. Box 6767, Richmond, VA 23230-0767. Put in memory of Debra Butterworth on check. (800) 999-3113. Arrangements were under the direction of Black’s Mortuary, Show Low. Sign an online guest book or offer private condolences at www.blacksmortuary.com
Posted by Sharla on October 15, 2010

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