Mary Severt Butler

Mary Frances Severt Butler was born into her parents humble home in Mercer County, West Virginia on February 6, 1929. She was the third child born to Joseph Hilton Severt and Elizabeth Mae Mash Severt. She passed away in Randleman, NC at her beloved home on November 7, 2026 at the wonderful age of 97.

Mary grew up in a poor, farming and coal community where family and hard work were valued. After living in West Virginia where her father worked in the coal mines, they moved back to Ashe County, NC to be near family members when she was 13. When Mary was 18 years old, she joined her sister, Gladys and moved to High Point, NC to work at a factory which made military uniforms for the soldiers in WWII. The first thing she purchased was a washing machine for her mother. 

Mary worked several different jobs through the years and retired from Salem Neckwear in Randleman. 

Mary met Lonnie Franklin (Frank) Butler at a bowling alley in High Point N.C. where they found instant companionship and love. They were married on her birthday, February 6, 1949 at 20 years old. They celebrated their Golden 50" Anniversary and were blessed to celebrate a few after that. They shared 53 years, 11 months, and 4 days until "Frank" passed away. We find comfort and joy in knowing they are together again, exactly where they belong. 

Mary was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Asheboro. She loved the Lord and her life was defined by faith, kindness, and selfless service.

To know Mary was to love Mary! She will forever be remembered for making everyone feel cherished, loved, and part of her family. She was known for her genuine kindness. Her home was the gathering place for reunions, holidays and special occasions. She was fun loving and enjoyed working outside in the yard and garden. She loved the snow and once used a cookie sheet as her sled in the yard.

For many years, Mary gathered the names, dates, etc. of family members for her Genealogy Book she compiled. No computers were available at that time so she sent many letters in the mail, (always with a stamped return envelope) requesting information from distant relatives.

Family was always the most important thing for Mary. She is survived by 11 grandchildren, 47 Great Grandchildren, and 7 Great Great Grandchildren. Mary was "Aunt Mary" for many, many nieces and nephews who loved her deeply and that love was returned to them. We are all so blessed to have had her in our family all these years.

Mary is survived by her children, Teresa Hope Hiatt (Willard), Kathy Jenkins (Gordon), Lonnie Charles (Chuck) Butler (Michelle). Their oldest child, David Jerrold Butler, preceded his mother in death 35 years ago.

Mary is also preceded in death by her parents as well as her siblings, Robert Worth Severt, Archie Severt, Gladys Dillard, and Grace Miller. She is survived by her siblings, Betty Dawson, Dorothy Beach, Bessie Morgan, and Don Severt.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm until 1:45 pm, prior to the funeral service on Friday, November 13 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 1109 McDowell Road, Asheboro, NC. The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. at the same location. Following the funeral service, the burial will take place at Randolph Memorial Park located at 4538 US Hwy 220 Bus N Asheboro, NC.

Pugh Funeral Home in Randleman is honored to serve the Butler family.