Christine Joyce Butler Powell's Obituary
Celebration of the Life of Christine Joyce Butler PowellOn September 28, 1933 the first of six children, was born to Ernestine Melton Butler and Murray Samuel Butler II, a beautiful, bouncy baby girl named Christine Joyce Butler in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Christine was named by an Irishman named John Zola who had sold her grandfather 340 acres of land from the Sooners (name given to settlers who entered the unassigned lands in what is now the state of Oklahoma before the official start of the Land Rush of 1889). Christine was given a birthstone ring upon her birth by Mr. Zola.Christine received union with Christ and was baptized in a water tank, that was constructed on the family property, at the age of 12; becoming a member of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church. Christine’s childhood and teen years were spent working on the farm along with her father whom she adored. Among many of her hobbies during her younger years was to ride and care for the horses amongst other things. Christine attended Harrison Elementary School and Douglas High School from which she graduated in the spring of 1953 (at that time, there weren’t any junior high schools).Upon graduation from high school, Christine received a four year scholarship to Xavier University in New Orleans, Louisiana majoring in music, her voice was her instrument. Christine had a lifelong love of music of many different genres including gospel, classical and jazz.After graduating from Xavier in 1957, Christine returned to Oklahoma where she discovered her real passion, which was teaching. Her first teaching position was at Dunbar Elementary School. A year later would see Christine leaving Oklahoma for new horizons, being sent a train ticket for her to move to Reno, Nevada to live with her Aunt Etta. Not only would she meet her soon-to-be husband, she would become the first African American teacher in Reno, Nevada.Christine and Ray were united in holy matrimony on January 3, 1959. To that union two children were born, Regina Lynette and Raymond Morton. After a short period of time, Ray became disabled and had to retire from the Air Force and they relocated with their children to Oakland California. In 1964, they settled in Hayward, CA making that their home forever.In 1972, it was her daughter who encouraged the family to worship at Palma Ceia Baptist Church under the pastorialship of the late Pastor Charles Bennett, because Regina was experiencing “puppy love” or a “school girl crush” on Pastor Bennett’s son, Jeff. Christine was a lifelong member of Palma Ceia Baptist Church although in recent years she was unable to attend because of failing health.Christine’s teaching career continued with her teaching at Roosevelt Junior High School, Havenscourt Junior High School and lastly Westlake Junior High School where she took an early retirement after the untimely death of her husband Ray.She taught English and Economics and Government. Even though Christine ruled her classroom with an “iron fist”; as an educator she didn’t play or mince words – some or most people would say she was very strict. She commanded respect in and out of the classroom and she got it. Christine encouraged her students to pursue their education and achieve their goals. Christine was a mentor to her student teacher Mittie Flippin, who affectionately called her “Jimmy-Sue” whom she remained in contact with through the years all while stressing how important it was to educate and give our children the tools necessary to be successful in life.Christine met no strangers and would love to engage them in conversation often offering words of encouragement or advice. Always the educator, she loved to probe young people to find out what they were doing with their life and what were they going to do to move forward always emphasizing the need for continuing their education. Many sought out Christine for her counsel and spiritual guidance and she touched many lives in the process, she also could debate with you on any subject.Christine admired: Rosa Parks, Marian Anderson (a contralto like herself), Oprah Winfrey, Maya Angelou, Thurgood Marshall, Martin Luther King Jr., and of course President Barack Obama.Some of her hobbies were: Bingo, walking, fishing and cultivating her gorgeous backyard. She also enjoyed latch-hook rug projects.One of the greatest loves of her life was born on July 5, 1996, a beautiful granddaughter, Chrystalynn Francell Faye Turner, whom she absolutely adored. Chrystalynn made her “MeMe” proud by following in her footsteps and attending Dillard University in New Orleans, Louisiana and graduating one year ago this month.Through her life, Christine crossed paths with individuals that would become very close and loved by her, many of them have preceded her in death but some that remain are: Her close friend, Dr. Dorothy Spann Agee – Her “special” sister, Lois Shipman – Three “special” daughters, Maryann Sotelo Garrett, Dawn Marie Johnson and Claudia Porcher; her student for life, Babette Abney, who loved and respected her so much she even became a caregiver for Christine toward the end of her life.Most recently she discovered a cousin in Louisiana named Lucille Payne and they loved to talk to each other on the phone as both of them were to ill to travel and visit each other. Christine’s wit, her wisdom, and her unrelenting faith in God will never be forgotten.Christine Joyce Butler Powell was preceded in death by her parents, Ernestine and Murray Butler II; her husband, Ray Powell; her son, Raymond Morton Powell; her sister, Rosalind Butler (Rossie) and her road-dog, her first cousin, Billy Joe Tillis.On April 18, 2019 at 12:31 am, Christine went home to be with our Lord and Savior surrounded by her loving family and friends. She leaves to cherish her memories: her beloved daughter, Regina Powell Turner; her most beloved granddaughter, Chrystalynn Francell Faye Turner both of Hayward, CA; sisters Jacqueline Lawrence, of Oklahoma City, OK and Carolyn Dudley (Robert) of Modesto, CA; brothers Murray S. Butler III (Edwyna) and Vincent Paul Butler (Walletta) both of Oklahoma City, OK; a “special” son, Mr. Darrell Levias of Modesto, CA; her caregivers at Aegis of Fremont in Fremont, CA; and a host of relatives, neighbors and many friends.I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith2Timothy 4:7-8
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