On the evening of June 26, 2010, a wonderful life suddenly came to an end. A very special and much loved person, Mary "Ernell" Butler, 81 of Mechanicsville, MD departed this life and went home to be with the Lord. Ernell was born in Hollywood, MD on May 23, 1929.

Ernell was the third child of the late William and Leona Nolan. She was baptized at St. John Francis Regis Catholic Church as a child. Ernell was raised with her siblings on Samson's Harbor Farm in Mechanicsville, MD, where many of life's foundational lessons were learned through the simplicity of farm life. She was educated in the St. Mary's County Public School System, and graduated from Banneker High School in 1946.

On 7/17/47, Ernell married the late James Joseph Butler, Jr., and her life's journey as a wife and exceptional mother began. From that union, twelve children were born. Their lives together began in Hollywood, but the family soon relocated to the Oakville area, which became the life-time family home. Ernell assisted many families throughout her working career. They include The Krush's, Senator Duff, Colonel Sanford, The Freres, as well as the Maryland State Police. Ernell had a heart of service. She would make regular visits to many sick and shut-in friends, and would go to the nursing home to help lift their spirits. She never allowed race to be a barrier against relationships with people.

It is well known that Ernell loved a variety of music genres, and that she could be found listening to and singing at any given time. This included jazz, blues and pop. But, gospel music became her favorite. With her very strong alto voice, she would never hesitate to share songs of comfort and encouragement with others. Two of her favorite hymns were How Great Thou Art and Precious Lord. Throughout her life's challenges and celebrations, Ernell developed a personal relationship with God and accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. Her faith truly became the source of joy and peace. Ernell was a long-time, active member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church. There, she made herself known to all, and was willing to assist whenever and wherever needed. She was a long-standing member of the choir and the Ladies of Sodality of the church.

Ernell had a love for baseball, which began at an early age, when she and her father would sit and "watch the radio", as the announcers called the game. Her favorite team was the Baltimore Orioles, and she would sit for hours at the television coaching and cheering them on, even during their many slumps. At the end of the season, she would comment, "Those boys have got to do better next year!" She also enjoyed traveling, and her travels include cities throughout the continental United States and the Caribbean Islands.

Her family was of great importance to her, and brought her much joy. With the passing of her mother, Ernell became the matriarch of the family, a position she wore well. She was well respected by all. Everyone looked forward to family gatherings at her home for holidays and summer cookouts because they knew they were guaranteed lively fun, laughter, hospitality, and a smorgasbord of food that would delight their taste buds and leave them walking away from the table wanting more, but realizing that there was not room for another bite. She embraced friends of her family members as her own, and they would routinely become part of her gatherings.

Ernell leaves to cherish her memory, her children: Michael, Shirley, Jerry, Deborah, Josephine, Ethel, James, Cindy, Bill and Stephanie; Daughter-in-law, Deborah Butler, future daughter-in-law, Romaine Smith; Son-in-laws - Jay Watts and Steven Adams; Grandchildren - Gregory, Carla, Ernest, Lisa, Christina, Brock, Melissa, and Antoine; Great-Grandchildren - Channing, Brian, Andrew, Sierra, Zachary, Brice, Brandon and Aleiha; Siblings - Veronica Jacob, Henrietta Johnson, Angela Green, Steven Nolan, Doris Bunyon, (Cousin/Sister) Florence Nolan; Brothers-in-laws - Earl Jacob, Arthur Green, and Jerry Bunyon; Sisters-in-laws - Shirley Nolan and Gertrude Nolan; a special former Daughter-in-law, Sheila Butler; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Her sons Xavier and James J. Butler, III, daughter-in-law, Loretta, son-in-law, Casey, and three siblings, Ethel, William, Jr. and Alphonso preceded her in death.

Family will receive friends on Friday, July 2, 2010 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Prayers will be recited at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, July 3, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 29119 Point Lookout Road, Morganza, MD 20660. Interment will follow in Queen of Peace Cemetery, Helen, MD.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.