Women's History Tribute: United Way honors Judy Butler
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UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN
It’s hard to put into words what Judy Butler meant to the United Way and our community. She literally knew everyone and touched so many lives. She and Wally lived very modest lives. She could have had ALL the things…fancy house, nice cars, lavish vacations but instead chose a life of giving to others.
The reason she could fundraise like no other is because folks knew she wasn’t asking you to do anything she wasn’t doing herself. She gave to SO many charities in our community and did so with a cheerful heart.
Judy was the first campaign chair at United Way to raise a million dollars. She reminded us of this often and that’s why we loved her so much!
We will miss her frequent visits to our office. She always brightened our day!
We love you and will miss you friend.
Obituary
Judith “Judy” Ann Zimmerman Butler, lovingly known as "The Hat Lady," passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.
A celebration of Judy’s life will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at Bethesda Church, with burial to follow in the church cemetery. In honor of Judy’s vibrant spirit and signature style, she requested that all in attendance wear a hat to her service.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Davidson Funeral Home in Lexington.
Judy was born on March 22, 1939, in Lebanon, PA, to the late Arthur Richard Zimmerman and Betty Jane Dearwechter Zimmerman. She spent many years working in the dental industry alongside her beloved husband, Dr. Wallace B. Butler. However, her true passion was serving others, particularly in prison ministries. Judy was a woman of grace, kindness, and unwavering faith, dedicating her time to numerous organizations. She was a member of the Red Hat Society and The NC Cameo Club of Senior America and was crowned Mrs. Senior North Carolina in 2011. She was also the founder and organizer of the Welcome Easter Parade, which is now in its 28th year. Her servant’s heart led her to volunteer with countless ministries, including medical missions, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist – Lexington Medical Center Foundation, and Path of Hope. No matter the circumstances, Judy shared a smile and a positive attitude, embodying joy and faith in every moment. She was an active and devoted member of Bethesda Church for many years. Judy lived by a simple yet profound philosophy, which she wrote when she was crowned Mrs. Senior North Carolina: "The true measure of a woman is not what she has but what she gives. Giving of her time, talents, resources, serving her fellow man. Showing God's love with a big smile, hug, laughter, kindness, encouragement, compassion. Visiting the prison, the sick, shut-ins, nursing homes, feeding the hungry. Bringing joy to God's people no matter who they are."
In addition to her parents, Judy was preceded in death by her husband, Wallace “Wally” Bob Butler, Sr.; her son, WB Butler, Jr.; her daughter, Lisa Butler Kepley; and her brother, Harry Zimmerman.
Left to cherish her memory are her son, Paul Edward Butler; her daughters, Stacey Butler Davis and Lydia Butler Hill; her brother, Richard Zimmerman (Bea); her sister, Wanda Zimmerman Franeck (George); and her sister-in-law, Judy Zimmerman. She also leaves behind eleven grandchildren, Kristi Kepley, Jessica Davis, Andrea Perryman (Bradley), Matthew Kepley (Kaitlyn), Bradley Kepley (Janelle), Taylor Butler, Seth Hill, Noah Hill, Savannah Hill, Anna Maria Hill, and Chance Butler, as well as seven great-grandchildren.
Memorial contributions in Judy’s honor may be made to Path of Hope (P.O. Box 1824, Lexington, NC 27293) or Davidson Medical Ministries (P.O. Box 584, Lexington, NC 27293).
Judy’s life was a testament to joy, faith, and generosity. Though she is no longer with us, her legacy of love and service will live on in the many lives she touched.
