Archie Mae Russell Butler, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend, entered into her Heavenly home on April 16, 2020. She was 90 years old.
A private burial ceremony will be at Hayden Cemetery in New Hope. The family will host a celebration of life at a later date when it is safe to resume public gatherings.
Archie was born October 23, 1929, in Elon, Ala., and was a lifelong resident of Madison County, living most of her life in New Hope. Archie met Billy Butler at school, and they started dating when they were teenagers. From the very beginning, their love for each other was undeniable. On Dec. 18, 1947, Billy arrived at Archie Mae’s family home and announced they were getting married that day. Archie Mae’s father took her to town to buy a new dress, and Archie and Billy were married at her preacher’s house. The preacher’s wife served as the witness while she shelled pecans. The Butlers celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary in 2018, one month before Billy’s passing. Archie became a mother in 1952 when her daughter, Rhonda, was born. Ten years later, the three of them moved next door to their house on Oak Grove Road, and it was Archie’s home for the rest of her life.
Archie remained active socially after retirement, and those who knew her often remark how she lit up a room when she entered. She was a lifelong member of Galilee Baptist Church but enjoyed visiting First Baptist Church of New Hope to listen to Rhonda play the piano.
Archie was preceded in death by her husband Billy; her parents, Archie Russell and Ida Pritchett Russell; brother Lenzie Russell; two sisters, Mary Alice McDonald and Sue Neil Weston; son-in-law Dr. Ralph Cain; and grandson Justin Cain. Survivors include her daughter, Rhonda Cain of New Hope, Ala.; three grandchildren, Dr. Butler Cain and wife Dr. Andrea Hunt of Florence, Ala.; Dr. Kendra Cain Harper and husband Patrick of Meridianville, Ala.; and Kipp Cain of Athens, Ala.; and four great-grandchildren, Hadley Harper, Deacon Harper, Ruby Hunt, and AJ Hunt.
