Salem, Va.

It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved daughter, Lily Jacqueline Butler.

At the young age of 20 years, Lily’s accomplishments were many and her future was bright. Her love for music and singing was evident in her life as it seemed to consume her every thought. She fell in love with music as a member in the Salem High School Choir and eventually extended her talent to serve in higher places. She was a member of the Roanoke Choral Society, and her love for God allowed her to share her talent in the choir at First United Methodist Church in Salem. She was delighted to also assist in the Roanoke Symphony Choir. As a current student at Virginia Western Community College, Lily was aspiring to become a choral director to help other young people find the same love for music she had at such a young age. She was certainly a talented and bright young lady, and while singing was certainly her passion, she also possessed numerous other talents that you may or may not have known about her.

To best describe her, Lily was a young woman with an old soul. She learned the art of sewing, knitting, and embroidery, talents that seem to be lost these days. She also enjoyed bead work, painting, and was an avid reader, especially enjoying the classics. When she found time, which seemed to be hard to achieve due to her busy schedule, Lily enjoyed long walks and climbing trees as it would help clear her mind.

While the pain is surreal and we wish it was only a bad dream, we know she is safe and that we will one day see her again.

Lily was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, William Powers and Dorothy Theriault Butler; cousin, Rebecca Lynn Butler; and her uncle, Joseph Emery Butler.

Family remaining to cherish her memory includes her loving parents, Michael “Mike” Butler and Deborah “Debbie” Butler of Salem; brothers, Colin Butler of Columbus, Ohio, Thomas Butler, and Steven Butler, both of Salem; and a host of friends of all generations.

A celebration of Lily’s life will be conducted on Saturday, January 25, 2020 at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Salem with Rev. Alan Combs officiating. The church choir will perform in her memory. The family will receive friends from 12 noon until time of service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lily’s honor to Salem High School; c/o The Choral Dept., 400 Spartan Drive, Salem, Va. 24153.

Expressions of sympathy may be expressed by visiting www.johnmoakey.com