Bernice Ruth Woolard Butler, 95, passed away February 11, 2023.  She was born in Little Washington, NC the daughter of the late Howard Woolard and Marcella Leggett Woolard Gurganus.  She was predeceased by her husband of 62 years, Alton Gerlin Butler; and siblings, John "JK", Howard "Junior", Ola Mae, Zula, Scott "SL", Shirley, and Rachel.  Bernice raised her family as a homemaker and kept the books for Butler Auto Service.  She was a member of Oakland Christian Church.  In her free time, she loved to garden, can vegetables, quilt, sew, and spend time with her family.

Bernice is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Cathy Ruth Butler Kirk (Bill); sons and daughter-in-law, Alton Ray Butler, Rayford Emerson Butler, and Philip Lee Butler (Terrie); grandchildren, Kevin Ray Butler (Cameron), Philip Lee Butler II (Caroline), David Alton Butler, Ronnie Dean Sightler Jr. (Cassie), Donnie Dean Sightler (Lindsay); great grandchildren, Philip Lei Butler, Jacob Thomas Butler, Ava Lynn Rose Sightler, Ronnie Dean Sightler III, Greyson Cash Sightler, and Gillian Ryan Sightler; brother, Joseph Ronald Gurganus; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be Thursday, February 16, 2023 at 2 p.m. at Parr Funeral Home & Crematory with Pastor Ronnie Wayne Gurganus officiating.  Burial will follow at Oakland Christian Church Cemetery.  Friends may join the family for a time of visitation an hour prior to the service from 1-2 p.m. at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.  Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com.