Martha Butler

Martha Waters Butler CHOCOWINITY - Ms. Martha Virginia Waters Butler, 84, a resident of the 100 block of Taylor Place, and former resident of Corova Beach in Corolla, N.C., died Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009. Ms. Butler was born in Beaufort County Oct. 30, 1924, to the late Richard Wheeler "Dick" Waters and Sallie Tetterton Waters. On Dec. 11, 1943, she married Willie Edward Butler who preceded her in death July 31, 1957. She was formerly employed in the detective division of the Portsmouth Police Department and was very active in the Corova Beach Volunteer Fire Department. Martha was baptized and became a member of Haw Branch Church of Christ later in life, and as she would tell you, those were the happiest days of her life. Martha, to many known as Aunt Martha, was known for her spunky approach to life and for being independent. She was a true Southern lady, always hospitable, welcoming family and friends to her beach home, cooking and sharing stories of her amazing life on Corova Beach. She will be well remembered by reminding all of us to take time to stop and smell the roses. Survivors include her brother, Barney "B.G." Waters of Washington, and many nieces and nephews. Martha was preceded in death by her special lifelong friend and beach companion, Oscie Benton. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at Haw Branch Church of Christ and other times at the home of Gene and Linda Hudson, 3217 Highway 17 South, Chocowinity, NC 27817. The funeral will be at 3 p.m. today at the church and will be officiated by D.J. Maxey, Jason Kirkman and Bobby Wallace. Tim Waters, Shawn Harding, Scott Waters, Jeffray Waters and Jonathan Hudson will serve as pallbearers. Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday at Olive Branch Cemetery, 605 City Park Ave., Portsmouth, VA 23701. Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made to Haw Branch Church of Christ Building Fund, 1501 Haw Branch Church Road, Chocowinity, NC 27817. You may address condolences, view Martha's video tribute and view the funeral service by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com. Paul Funeral Home of Washington is serving Ms. Martha's family.