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1922 - 2015

BORN

1922

DIED

2015

FUNERAL HOME

Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel - Knoxville

5301 Fountain Rd

Knoxville, Tennessee

DOROTHY BUTTERFIELD Obituary

DOROTHY BUTTERFIELD (Smith) "Dottie" (Age 92)
Of Knoxville, Tennessee, died June 3, 2015 in her home at Morning Pointe in Powell, TN. She was born on October 29, 1922 in Newport News, Virginia, daughter of the late Richard F. and Ida May Smith of Carrolton, VA. After graduating High School, Dorothy left home in Virginia and began her singing career as Dottie Dare travelling all over the United States with such bands as Dick Gregory, Freddy Slack, Joe Venuti, among many others until she met and married the love of her life famed Big Band jazz trumpeter, Billy Butterfield in New York City. Subsequently, she was inducted into the Big Band Hall of Fame in 2000, a true tribute to her talent. Dottie and Billy were married for 36 amazing years. After moving down from Virginia, Dottie lived 44 years in Florida where she enjoyed the sunshine and warm weather until relocating to Knoxville in 2011. Dottie was a devoted, loving wife and mother survived by twin daughters and their husbands, Debbie and Phil Curtis of Knoxville, TN and Judi and Clyde Groves of Owings, MD; stepson, William Patrick and wife, Kay Butterfield of Charlottesville, VA. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Tania Lebron, Kile Curtis, Michael, Alex and Patrick Butterfield; and many great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; step-daughter-in-law, Patti Butterfield; and dear friends. Preceded in death by step-son, Mike Butterfield. The family will hold a private Celebration of Life per Dottie's wishes. Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel & Crematory is honored to serve the family and invites you to view and sign their online guestbook at: www.gentrygriffey.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post on Jun. 10, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for DOROTHY BUTTERFIELD

5 Entries

January 3, 2019

God Bless you Dottie! It was apleasure knowing you. And listening to your singing. You and your husband shared a special gift to others. THANK YOU PRETTY LADY!

Paul D. Richmond, Sr.

August 2, 2015

Over the course of thirty five years Ive been doing research for friends ancestors. I find it to be one of the interesting tasks that I've tacked since leaving the military forty years ago.
Yesterday a though came to me, why not do Charles William Billy Butterfields family history. I had gone back about three generations but I hadn't thought to look for the first person who greeted me at the door when they were living in south Florida. Dotty was as warm and charming as a mother could be. However, secretly I think she ran the household.
I lost track of the family until Judi came over after she had just completed a (what I believe was) five K run. After a brief exchange of niceties Judi was gone. That was until I saw that her dad had passed away. I followed up with a letter of condolences to what I hoped was the right address.
Today my heart is saddened at the loss of such a gracious woman. Judi and Debbie my heart goes out to you both. Paul D. Richmond, Sr.

Rebecca Jane Wise-West

June 11, 2015

And my Dad was also a 2nd cousin! Really did not know that Dottie was still with us until she passed on 6/3. He was Dr. Albert Frederick Butterfield and passed at 59 years old. Rest his soul...

Linda Potter

June 10, 2015

My Mother, Naomi Butterfield Wehr, was a 2nd cousin to Billy, and I'm sure they are all singing in heaven, as Billy plays his trumpet. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.

Trey Bramble

June 10, 2015

I met Dottie in 2009 at her daughter Judy's home where I was privileged and honored to hear her sing, it was my very own personal concert, one of the songs Dottie sang was Benny's from heaven. One of the highlights of my life, thankful for the opportunity to have met you. You touched many lives, thank you Dottie...

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results

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To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel - Knoxville

5301 Fountain Rd, Knoxville, TN 37918

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