Mary Lina Raper Butt

Mary Lina Raper Butt born 6.11.1929 - died 3.7.2026

Mary was the youngest daughter of Caleb Jerome Raper and Nona Chappell Raper. Mary married her high school sweetheart Thomas R. Butt, Sr in 1948. They were married 59 years until his passing in 2007. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Thomas R. Butt, Sr., son, Thomas R. Butt, Jr. daughter, Phyllis Butt Gibbs, sister, Marie Raper Chappell and sister, Margaret Raper Simpson.

Surviving are daughter, Anne Butt Caudle (Scott); grandchildren, Matt Butt (Crystal), Ike Gibbs (Kimberly), Sarah Butt Martin (Mike), Mary Beth Butt Wilkerson, Jennifer Gibbs Thompson (Carl), Jessi Caudle Burns (Mike); great grandchildren, Natalie Gibbs, Owen Gibbs, Carrie Nunn, Henry Gibbs, Madison Wilkerson, Emily Nunn, Colin Gibbs, Nora Burns, Holden Burns, Mayson Wilkerson, Mya Wilkerson, Ida Martin, Davis Burns, Samantha Martin, Macky Burns, Josh Butt, Judith Burns, and August Gibbs.

Mary grew up in Piney Woods Friends Meeting, one of the oldest Quaker meetings in NC. She remained a steadfast member of the Quaker faith and organization her entire life. Her husband, Thomas, was a Quaker pastor from 1956 till his passing and the family lived in several communities in NC as Thomas and she served. While the family lived at Concord Friends Mary served as the secretary for NCYM working for Seth Hinshaw. Mary was always involved as a pastors' wife serving in many capacities from Sunday school teacher, missionary circle member, youth leader and choir member. During her time as a pastors' wife and raising her children she began taking classes at Campbell University. Later she attended Guilford College. And after her freshman year she was selected as a Dana scholar graduating with an English degree. She went on to teach English 25 years at Smith High School in Greensboro, NC. She loved teaching and coaching the debate team. As she taught, she continued to have an ongoing presence in the NC Yearly Meeting of Quakers. She was involved in NCYM Christian education, served as Recording Clerk and worked in missions. Through the FUM international ministries she traveled to the Quaker mission fields in Africa and was instrumental in gathering monies that went to dig water wells in Turkana, Africa.

Mary was always about doing for others. She desired and strived to foster the good faith in those around her and encouraged her fellow man to do good works. She didn't meet many strangers as she was outgoing and friendly to all. She was an opinionated and strong individual who didn't hesitate to speak out for the underserved and those in need.

Mary had an undying love for her family and friends. She and Thomas always had the door swung wide to welcome all who would come. Both were excellent cooks. They fed not only the bodies but the souls of many.

Mary and Thomas served at Concord Friends, Bethesda Friends, Centre Friends, and Providence Friends Meetings over their 59 years together. And as Thomas retired he and Mary served many interim meetings who had a short-term need for a pastor.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Pugh Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow, with Pastors David Hobson and Rusty Parsons officiating. A private burial will be held for the family.

The family request that in lieu of flowers that donations can be made to:

Friends Emergency Materials Assistance Program (FEMAP)

606 E. Springfield Road, High Point, NC 27263