John Butts

John A. Butts CHESAPEAKE - John Arthur Butts, beloved husband of Marionette, father of Deitra, Sohn, Alicia and Arthur and grandfather of Allen III, Alexis, Amya, Nyla, Matthew, Alex, Arie, Destinee', Sohn II, Zackery, Abree' and Nonye' was called home by his heavenly Father Nov. 12, 2008, surrounded by his family. "AB," as he was affectionately known, was the son of the late William and Courtney Butts. He received his formal education in the Chesapeake public schools and attended Norfolk State University. He served in the U.S. Army and retired from Lone Star Cement Corporation after 25 years of service. Over the years, he was the owner of several successful business ventures. AB's landscaping business, Nature's Green, was his primary business in recent years. His landscaping creativity was an art which was admired by many. He continued this until his health began to fail. At his previous residence in Chesapeake, his yard often received "The Yard of the Month" recognition. His ability to design unique landscaping was admired by many of his neighbors and friends. The memorial he created in memory of his mother at the Camelot residence attests to his creativity. AB was a man of his conviction, standing stalwart for the things in which he believed. He was extremely devoted to wife and family and his grandchildren were the "apples of his eye." His faith in God and his ability to persevere though faced with failing health will always be remembered by his family and friends. He was predeceased by a brother, Levi Butts. He is survived by his wife, Marionette T. Butts of the home; daughters, Deitra Butts (Franck) of Chesapeake and Alicia Taylor (Allen) of Columbia, S.C.; sons, Sohn Butts (Nicole) of Laurel, Md., and Arthur Jimerson (Angela) of Butner, N.C.; grandchildren, Allen III, Alexis, Amiya, Nylah, Matthew, Alex, Ari, Destinee', Sohn II, Wells, Abree' and Nonye'; sisters, Toni Griffin of Norfolk and Barbara Harper of Chesapeake; brothers, Percy Butts of Charleston, S.C., Randolph Butts (Jackie) of Jacksonville, Fla., Autry Butts (Larthinia), Lawrence Butts (Bunny) and Roosevelt Butts (Mable), all of Chesapeake, Richard Butts, Ronald Butts and William Butts, all of Norfolk and George Bunn (Altivise) of Wrightsboro, Ga.; also Michael Butts (Vickie), cousin/brother of Chesapeake; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Monday in Metropolitan Funeral Service, 120 W. Berkley Ave. The Rev. Deborah Lewis will officiate. Internment will be in Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, Suffolk. Family and friends will assemble at 141 Pier Landing Loop one hour prior to the service for the procession to the chapel. The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday in the funeral home. Condolences may be offered at www.metropolitanfuneralservice.com.