Obituary of Michael Jerome Butler

"I'll lend you for a little time a child of mine", He said, "For you to love while he lives and mourn for when he's dead." It may be six or seven years, or twenty-two or three, but will you, till I call him back, take care of him for me?" On Tuesday, July 30, 1957, at West Jersey Hospital, Camden, a second child was loaned to Jeane and Leroy Butler. They proudly named him Michael Jerome and he joined an older sister, Sheryl Denise and preceded younger sister, Tracii Jeane. In 1985, the three siblings welcomed five year old Kersha into the family. I cannot promise he will stay since all from earth return, but there are lessons taught down there I want this child to learn. I've looked the wide world over in my search for teachers true, and from the throngs that crowd life's lanes, I have selected you. Michael began his formal education in the Palmyra School System, graduating from high school in 1975. He was a good student and an outstanding athlete. Weighing in at only 155 lbs. soaking wet, he was one of the toughest, strongest,, hardest hitting defensive backs in the area. Along with football, he excelled in basketball, track and baseball. He continued his education at University of Maryland, Eastern Shore, and received a Bachelor's of Arts degree in Physical education in 1980. He continued his athletic prowess as a starting defensive back for four years at UMES. He pledged Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and found lasting loyalty and friendships. He was looking forward to celebrating his 56th birthday with them. After completing his initiation, he was almost denied life, when his mother saw he had been "branded" with the Sigma symbol on his arm and chest. In 1988, Michael was married to Sherl Denise Degrilla. They became the proud parents of Tiffany Nicole who joined sister Monique to complete the family. Growing up in the village of West Palmyra, Michael and his buddies formed life-long friendships. Tony, George, Wayne, Derek, Duane, Deron, Derek Johns, Billy, gary, and Kevin were his "home boys". He also had three big brothers who stuck by him through thick and thin: Greg Grimes, Darrell Austin and Larry Barnes. Michael was previously employed as a physical education teacher and worked a various positions before becoming self-employed. He became a most proficient landscaper and took great pride in his work. His yards became the pride of whatever neighborhood he serviced. He became known as the town's Best Edger". Michael received his religious education both at home and at Evergreen Baptist Church. At 15 years old, he accepted Christ and was baptized by Pastor Campbell. Michael strayed away from time to time, but his greatest joy happened three years ago when he realized he needed Christ in his life and returned to his church. He loved the Lord and knew the Lord loved him. He loved to attend Adult Bible Study and Wednesday Senior Prayer and Praise with his mother at St. John Baptist Church. While at senior praise he heard the song "I've been redeemed, bought with a price, Jesus has changed my whole life." A few weeks ago, at breakfast prayer with his mom, he proudly said "Mom, I've been redeemed." Michael was so happy to be in worship this past Sunday, when he had to leave, he waved good-bye. Now will you give him all your love, not think the labor vain... nor hate me when I come to call him back again. On Monday evening, July 1, 2013, in a twinkling of an eye, our heavenly Father summoned home the child He loaned to Jeane and Leroy, 55 years ago. Never to be forgotten, his memory will be cherished by his wife, Sherl; his daughters, Tiffany and Monique; his mother Jeane; sisters, Sheryl, Tracii (Anthony) and Ksisha; nieces , Alexis, Deandrea, Sabria and Sherriee; nephews Jamel, LaMike, David, Antwane, Neil and Isaiah; devoted cousins, Karen, Kim, Terry, Tommy (Emma), Leslie, Lynn, Guy, Barry, Gary, Porcia and Victor; aunts, Barbara Austin and Lorriaine Austin; uncles Gordon (Barbara), George (Delores) and James Butler; Godfather, Donald Johnson; Godson, Duane Morris; mother-in-law, Gloria Degrilla; sisters-in-law, Tangela, Lynnese and Renee (Neil); brothers-in-law, Alvin Degrilla and Anthony Proctor; extended family, Greg, Roz and Gregory Davis; Phi Beta Sigma brothers; his special little cousin, Kimora; Senior Praise members, cousins, friends, and the Evergreen Church Family. I fancied that I heard them say "Dear Lord, Thy will be done. For all the joy Thy child shall bring, the risk of grief we'll run; We'll shelter him with tenderness, We'll love him while we may and for the happiness we've known forever grateful stay. But should the angels call for him much sooner than we've planned, We'll brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand. So now remember always how grateful that I am that you took my child and did for him, all that I had planned. He will forever be with you in smiles, in thoughts, in love, and will always be with you until you meet above.