Frances Jackson Butler, 79, wife of Melvin L. Butler, died peacefully on Dec. 8, 2011, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born Feb. 2, 1932, in Washington, Frances was the daughter of the late James and Blanche Jackson. Frances grew up in Washington then went to college at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, known then as North Carolina Women’s College. After graduation, Frances moved to Roanoke Rapids in May of 1953 and later married husband Melvin Lee Butler in 1958.

The family would like to thank everyone who wrote, called, and came by to visit. These gestures warmed her heart. She knew she was very blessed.

She is survived by her husband Melvin Butler; her sister, Sarah Jackson Potter (Lee); nieces, Ginny Potter, Martha Potter Bowen (Bill), Pat Wildman (Wayne), Patricia Grooms (Fred); and nephews, Steve Potter (Carissa), Michael Newsome (Jeane) and Mike Butler.

The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, at All Saints Episcopal Church. Burial will immediately follow at Cedarwood Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 3 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. today at Askew Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Children’s Miracle Network, P.O. Box 8369, Greenville, NC 27834; All Saints Episcopal Church, 635 Hamilton St., Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870; or Frances J. Butler Scholarship Fund, UNCG Advancement Services, P.O. Box 26170, Greensboro, NC 27402.