Eunice McSwain Butler

Eunice McSwain Butler was born November 25, 1905 and departed this life on March 28, 2011. She was 105 years old, which is remarkable because she was blessed to be able to live independently for 103 of those years. She married Bob Butler in 1922 and they enjoyed 48 years together. They had no biological children but she has always treated her sister Louie's children, their spouses and their children as her own. They are Luke and Wanda Criswell, Robert and Sherry Criswell, Tim and Charlotte Criswell all of DeWitt, Max and Sandra Criswell of Cabot and Billy and Wanda Rule of Stuttgart. Preceding her in death were her husband, Bob Butler, parents, Robert and Annie McSwain and five sisters: Mable McSwain who died in early childhood, Elsie Wycough, Louie Criswell, Hazel Porter and Nina Ragan. Eunice was the oldest of all the girls. Eunice was a faithful member of Belleview Baptist Church. She served as church clerk for 35 years. For a number of years she enjoyed hosting her church ladles' bible study in her home. Eunice's favorite things were fishing, gardening, crocheting, taking care of her cats and cooking special dishes for the Criswell children. She had many cats during her lifetime and knew them all by their names. Eunice was a special lady and will be greatly missed. Services will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, March 30th, at Belleview Baptist Church in Ethel with burial at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery by Essex Funeral Home, DeWitt. Visitation will be 10 to 11 a.m., Wednesday, before the service at the church. Memorials may be made to Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, c/o Josie Padgett, 318 Belleview Rd., Ethel, Ark. 72049.