Butler, Edward Charles (Age 54) of White Plains, Maryland.

You gave no one a last farewell, You said good-bye to none. The Heavenly gates of Heaven Just opened wide and a lovely voice said "Come." God knew that you were tired, And the hills were hard to climb, So He closed your weary eyelids And whispered "Peace Be Thine."

In submission to God's will, Edward Charles Butler, more affectionately called "JJ" entered into a peaceful rest at Civista Medical Center, La Plata, Maryland on Friday, May 4, 2012.

Edward was born, January 30, 1958, in Orlando, Florida to the late Curtis Lamar Butler and the late Ozella Butler. During his early teen years, his parents left Florida and moved to Washington, DC, where he lived and graduated from high school before meeting his future wife and making Maryland his home.

In 1977 at the age of 19, Edward met Patricia A. Jones and several years later on April 12, 1985, they were joined in holy matrimony.

In addition to his parents, Edward was preceded in death by his sister, Zella Butler-Thomas.

Edward leaves to cherish his memories his wife of 27 years, Patricia A. Butler; two sons, Edward L. and Andrew W. Butler; daughter, Patrice R. Butler; brother, Johnny C. Wright and his wife Liz; granddaughter, Jordyn M. Butler and her mom, Kelli Barnett. He also leaves to mourn his loss, numerous sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law and countless nieces and nephews. In addition to his family, Edward also leaves behind neighbors, friends and co-workers whom he met during his 29 year tenure working for Miller and Smith, Inc. He was well liked and will be greatly missed by his neighbors, friends and family.

Edward is not dead, he did not die, so please don't question the reason why. He has no more pain, so do not weep, you might disturb his peaceful sleep. His soul is free like the morning breeze, with no worries, no care, and no needs to seek. So don't worry about him being alone, in the twinkling of an eye he was given a heavenly home. He is with his heavenly family, he is not alone and all of heaven in which to roam. He has his daily water and light, please believe this with all your might. So to family and friends, can't you see he's as happy as can be. Please don't cry because Edward is not there, just know that he is present with the Lord And is in His care. The Family.

Viewing, 10am until time of Service, 11am on Thursday, May 17, 2012 at Mt. Horeb Baptist Church, 2914 Bladensburg Road, NE, Washington, DC. Interment, Maryland National Memorial Park, 13300 Baltimore Avenue, Laurel, Maryland.

Arrangements provided by Thornton Funeral Home.