Elnoria M. Butler

With deep love and cherished memories, the family of Elnoria Melissia Mills Butler announces her peaceful passing on November 14, 2025, at the age of 87. A beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and friend, Elnoria's vibrant presence, boundless energy, and giving heart will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Elnoria was born on August 31, 1938, in Waelder (Hopkinsville), Texas, to the late Sam Mills Sr. and Nancy Jane Burton Mills. She grew up surrounded by a large and loving family and received her early education at Ralph Bunch School in Waelder and Doyle School in Kerrville.

From a young age, Elnoria embraced her faith and accepted Christ, becoming a devoted member of Barnett Chapel United Methodist Church. She served her church faithfully for many years in several roles, including as a Communion Steward, choir member, and active participant in the United Methodist Women. Notably, she was the only female singer in an all-male gospel quartet.

A tireless worker and caregiver, Elnoria began her career as a dedicated housekeeper. She found her calling in patient care, serving with compassion and strength at Edgewater Nursing Home and then for over 25 years at Kerrville State Hospital, where she ultimately retired.

Outside of work and church, Elnoria had a zest for life that was infectious. She was also known throughout the community as a dependable and loving babysitter where she cared for many children in the area and formed lifelong bonds with families who trusted and cherished her. She loved playing basketball and softball in her younger years and never turned down a game of Bingo or a trip to the thrift store. Known for her love of dancing and traveling, she especially treasured time spent with her family. Around the domino table, she was a force to be reckoned with, full of laughter, good-natured competition, and unshakable confidence.

Throughout her life, Elnoria was united in marriage to four beloved husbands: Wilburn Franklin Houston Sr. (deceased), with whom she had four children; Glenn Ellington Cashaw Sr., with whom she had two children; and later Allen Hatten and Elijah Butler (deceased).

Elnoria leaves behind a legacy of love through her family are her five children, Wilburn Franklin Houston Jr. (Doneice), Jarvis Lynn Houston (Gloria), Caroline Jeanet Jackson (Neval Sr.), Marsha Orlene Jasper (Joseph Jr.), and Marvin Earlando Cashaw (Monica);
22 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 18 great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her cousin, Evelyn Shields; nieces, Doris Hardaway-Dykes, Billie Jean Caldwell, and LeGena (Peaches) Mills; nephews, Quinton Ben (Bubba Jr) Hardaway Jr., Will Arthur Wheat III, Roy Lee Mills, Leonard Troy Walker, and Alvin Hardaway; and a host of beloved great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters Mary Bell Hardaway, Annie Bell Walker, and Mary Jane Truscott Jones; her brothers Jesse James "Duck" Mills, William "Billy" George Mills, Herman Mills, and Sam Mills Jr.; her son Glenn Ellington Cashaw Jr.; and four grandchildren: Kemisha Marie Houston, Donald Eugene Hillyer Jr., Alfonzia Clark II, and Charles James Jackson.

Pallbearers for the service will be Jarvis Houston, Marvin Cashaw, SirRock Houston, Jermaine Clark, Donavon Houston, and Dylan Sifford

The family of Elnoria Mills Butler extends their heartfelt gratitude to all who have shown kindness, shared prayers, and offered support during this time. May God Bless and keep each of you. A special thanks is extended to Hilltop Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and the Alamo Hospice Team for their devoted care.