Age 87, New Market, Va.
Edith Estella Butler, beloved mother, aunt, sister, cousin, and friend to so many, passed away peacefully on October 25, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of love, laughter, and road trip memories that will be cherished by all who knew her.
Born September 9, 1939, in New Market, VA to James Royal Steptoe, Sr. and Katherine Elizabeth Steptoe, nee Veney, she married Leon S. Butler on October 2, 1959, in Washington, DC.
Edith worked her entire career at the National Education Association in communications. She is preceded in death by her husband, Leon S. Butler, son Christopher L. Butler, brother James Royal Steptoe, Jr., and sister Betty Blanche Williams, nee Steptoe.
She is survived by her nephews, Eddie “Randy” Willilams of Lanham, Maryland, Myron Butler of Elkton, VA, Stacey Wise of Columbus, SC; nieces Pamela Steptoe of Washington, DC, and Christie Thornton (Richard) of St. Robert, MO; and beloved fur babies Coco and Beau. She was the universal auntie to a host of relatives and friends who loved her deeply.
Aunt Edith had a rare gift for making people feel at home. Kind, generous, fun, and completely open-hearted, she welcomed people into her life – and her home – with love. She was an incredible host who could turn an ordinary gathering into something everyone remembered. Her home was a place where there was always room for one more, something good to eat, plenty of laughter, and a feeling that you belonged.
Her third generation nieces and nephews held a special place in her heart. She loved them fiercely and celebrated them wholeheartedly, always making them feel seen, valued, and loved exactly as they were. They describe her simply as their “happy place,” and there may be no greater testament to who she was.
She had a wonderful zest for life and was a devoted fan of the Washington Nationals, a political junkie, a Hallmark aficionado, and a Disney princess to the multitude of wildlife that she cared for diligently.
But more than anything, she loved people. She gave generously of her time, her home, her laughter, and her heart. She had a way of making everyone – from the youngest child to the oldest friend – feel like they were important to her. And they were.
Her absence will be deeply felt by her family and the many people fortunate enough to call her a friend. She taught us that love can look like a crowded house, an open door, a full table, a loud laugh, the news/movie/baseball game on every television in the house, and a child (or grown up) who knows there is always somewhere they can go to feel safe and happy.
She was that place for so many of us.
Visitation will be held at Manor Memorial United Methodist Church on Sunday, November 8, from 4 to 6 p.m. A service honoring her life will be held on Monday, November 9, 2026, at 11 a.m., at the church with a repast to follow.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Response, Inc. at https://www.responseva.org/donate
Arrangements are being handled by the Bradley Funeral Home in Luray, Va.
Be the first to comment