Rozella (Brantley) Butler

THE LIFE AND LEGAY OF
ROZELLA BRANTLEY-BUTLER

The Birth
On April 25, 1949, in the quaint town of Hallsville, Texas, a radiant spirit named Rozella Butler entered the world, born to the late Rev. Richard and Bernice Brantley.

A Blossoming Faith
From her earliest days, Rozella was enveloped in the warmth of her faith, attending Golden Hill Baptist Church where she embraced the teachings of Christ. It was here that she accepted Him as her Lord and Savior, a decision that would guide her through life’s many seasons. The church became a cornerstone of her identity, a place where she found solace, community, and purpose. As she matured, her faith deepened, leading her to Church on Purpose in Longview, Texas, where she made a pivotal choice to rededicate her life, culminating in a heartfelt re-baptism on June 22, 2024. This journey of faith not only shaped her character but also illuminated the path for those who would follow in her footsteps.

A Life of Love and Laughter
Rozella’s life was a beautiful tapestry woven with love, laughter, and cherished memories. After graduating from Arp High School in 1968, she embarked on a fulfilling career as a seamstress at Buddy Shoelercross, where her creativity flourished until her retirement. Yet, it was her heart that truly stitched the fabric of her life together.

A Love Story Unfolds
In 1968, she met the love of her life, Johnny B. Butler Sr., and together they created a family filled with joy and adventure. Their union brought forth two wonderful children, LaShunda Dotrey and Johnny Butler Jr., who became the pride of Rozella’s life. She was not just a mother but a grandmother and friend, sharing moments of laughter over spirited games of spades and playing shortstop on the baseball field. Each day was a celebration, a testament to the love that surrounded her and the bonds that would last a lifetime.

A Legacy of Love
As the sun rose on August 24, 2025, Rozella took her final breath, leaving behind a tapestry of cherished memories. Though her earthly journey had come to an end, her spirit soared high, embraced by the love of her late parents Bernice Bush and Rev. Richard Brantley; her brother, LeOtis Brantley; and her stepmother, Bessie Brantley. She left a legacy woven with the threads of faith, laughter, and unconditional love. Her sister, Gladys Reese, beloved children; LaShunda Dotrey and Johnny Butler Jr. (Shwonder), grandchildren who will carry her essence in their hearts sharing stories of her kindness and strength; Dimenya Green, Detria Dotrey, DaVotrick Dotrey, JaVotrick Dotrey, Montrell Butler, Kadamon Manning, Alexis Wallace, Alaya McKenzie, Akayla Manning, KeDeleon Stinson; and six great-grandchildren; Israel Williams, Langston Dotrey, Leighton Holloway, Kobe Williams, A’Mari Damon Radway, and Journey Miller, her goddaughter, Tonie Bryant (Salverster), and her multitude of friends and family celebrated her life, knowing that she had touched countless souls. In every stitch she sewed, every game of spades played, and every prayer whispered, Rozella Butler’s spirit lived on, a shining beacon of love and resilience that would guide generations to come. And so, her legacy continued, a beautiful reminder that life, in all its forms, is a precious gift to be cherished.

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