Ms. Zenese Louise Butler, affectionately known as “Necie” or “Zee,” returned home to the ETERNAL ONE on December 26, 2025, in Washington, D.C., at the age of 69. Born on February 19, 1956, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, she entered the world as a radiant light to her parents, Mayella Cross Matthew and the late Louis Butler Jr.
From her earliest days, Zenese embodied a spirit of strength, compassion, and divine purpose. She pursued her calling in nursing with unwavering dedication, earning her degree from Temple University. Her education laid the foundation for a lifelong commitment to healing and service—both professionally and personally. Zee answered her divine calling through her work as a Registered Nurse, serving faithfully at Temple University Hospital, George Washington Memorial Hospital, and later as a traveling nurse. Her presence brought comfort and calm; her hands carried healing; her words offered wisdom; and her heart overflowed with love.
Zenese was more than a nurse—she was the family doctor, the trusted voice in times of uncertainty, and the calm in every storm. Her care extended far beyond hospital walls. She was everyone’s person: a protector, peacemaker, bridge-builder, and safe haven for many. Her life was a living testimony of service, sacrifice, faith, and unconditional love.
Rooted deeply in faith, Zenese served with devotion in Congregation Temple Beth’EL, Temple Shalom House of YAH, and Mahaneh Yisrael. She ushered with grace, prayed with power, cooked with love, counseled with wisdom, and healed with humility. She fed the hungry, clothed the needy, and spoke life into those who had lost hope. Her heart was pure gold—loving without restraint and leaving an undeniable imprint wherever she stood.
A woman of many gifts and talents, Zenese was a master cook whose meals nourished both body and soul. A gifted seamstress and tireless giver, she cherished relationships across generations. Known for her candid wisdom—often punctuated by her favorite phrase “Cut the crap”—she was strong yet patient, direct yet compassionate. She blazed trails for those who followed: the first to marry, the first to attend college, the first to have children—paving the way for generations behind her.
Zenese’s legacy lives on through those who loved her deeply. She is survived by her beloved mother, Mayella Cross Matthew; her devoted children: Ronesha Butler, Marvin Bruce Young Jr., and Ashley Renee Lavina Young; her cherished grandchildren: Amelia Butler, Naomi Holmes, Jahbree Campbell, Xavier Young, Brielle Young, Zion Young, and Madison Young; and her treasured great-granddaughter Ny’Vie Austin.
She also leaves behind her loving siblings: Renee Butler-Hunley (Edward), Louellen Butler, Janet Crump, and James Butler; beloved bonus siblings; nieces and nephews whom she nurtured as her own children; her best friend Barbara Wilson; along with a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends who will continue to carry forward her memory.
Zenese was preceded in death by her father, Louis Butler Jr., whose memory she held close throughout her life.
When Elohim formed Zenese Louise Butler, God made light—and that divine light shone brightly through every act of kindness she offered during her time on earth. Wherever she went, she carried heaven with her—and those who encountered her were forever changed.
The world met who God already knew.
And now… the ETERNAL ONE has welcomed her light home.
May her memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved her.
From her earliest days, Zenese embodied a spirit of strength, compassion, and divine purpose. She pursued her calling in nursing with unwavering dedication, earning her degree from Temple University. Her education laid the foundation for a lifelong commitment to healing and service—both professionally and personally. Zee answered her divine calling through her work as a Registered Nurse, serving faithfully at Temple University Hospital, George Washington Memorial Hospital, and later as a traveling nurse. Her presence brought comfort and calm; her hands carried healing; her words offered wisdom; and her heart overflowed with love.
Zenese was more than a nurse—she was the family doctor, the trusted voice in times of uncertainty, and the calm in every storm. Her care extended far beyond hospital walls. She was everyone’s person: a protector, peacemaker, bridge-builder, and safe haven for many. Her life was a living testimony of service, sacrifice, faith, and unconditional love.
Rooted deeply in faith, Zenese served with devotion in Congregation Temple Beth’EL, Temple Shalom House of YAH, and Mahaneh Yisrael. She ushered with grace, prayed with power, cooked with love, counseled with wisdom, and healed with humility. She fed the hungry, clothed the needy, and spoke life into those who had lost hope. Her heart was pure gold—loving without restraint and leaving an undeniable imprint wherever she stood.
A woman of many gifts and talents, Zenese was a master cook whose meals nourished both body and soul. A gifted seamstress and tireless giver, she cherished relationships across generations. Known for her candid wisdom—often punctuated by her favorite phrase “Cut the crap”—she was strong yet patient, direct yet compassionate. She blazed trails for those who followed: the first to marry, the first to attend college, the first to have children—paving the way for generations behind her.
Zenese’s legacy lives on through those who loved her deeply. She is survived by her beloved mother, Mayella Cross Matthew; her devoted children: Ronesha Butler, Marvin Bruce Young Jr., and Ashley Renee Lavina Young; her cherished grandchildren: Amelia Butler, Naomi Holmes, Jahbree Campbell, Xavier Young, Brielle Young, Zion Young, and Madison Young; and her treasured great-granddaughter Ny’Vie Austin.
She also leaves behind her loving siblings: Renee Butler-Hunley (Edward), Louellen Butler, Janet Crump, and James Butler; beloved bonus siblings; nieces and nephews whom she nurtured as her own children; her best friend Barbara Wilson; along with a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends who will continue to carry forward her memory.
Zenese was preceded in death by her father, Louis Butler Jr., whose memory she held close throughout her life.
When Elohim formed Zenese Louise Butler, God made light—and that divine light shone brightly through every act of kindness she offered during her time on earth. Wherever she went, she carried heaven with her—and those who encountered her were forever changed.
The world met who God already knew.
And now… the ETERNAL ONE has welcomed her light home.
May her memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved her.
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