Steven Terran Butler

Steven Terran Butler was born on January 6, 1959, in Newark, New Jersey, and went home to be with the Lord on August 4, 2025, at Tampa General Hospital.
Steven was a devoted husband to Ethel May Butler, whom he called his "lovely bride." They were married for 39 years and were just weeks away from celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary on September 7th.
He was a loving father to Damon Sims and wife Latonya, Steven Sinclair and wife Patrice, Rebecca Johnson and husband George, and Racquel Hairston and husband Harry. He cherished his role as a grandfather to many - each with their own special "food nickname" - Joi Khan ("Peanut Butter"), Naomi Khan ("Muffin"), Jacquel Gertrude ("Toast"), Elijah Gertrude ("Juice"), Olivia Johnson ("Cinnabon"), George Johnson Jr. ("Hash"), Damon Sims Jr. ("Pickles"), Mae Johnson ("Cookie"), Beau Johnson ("Kernel"), Davis Butler ("Kiwi"), Harry Hairston III ("Sweet Pea"), Jackson Butler ("JellyBeans"), Hunter Hairston ("Popcorn"), and Grant Butler ("Chili"). He was also blessed with great-grandchildren Josiah Khan ("Chip"), the late Azrael Khan ("Pumpkin Butter"), as well as an honorary grandchild, Kaleb Wallace ("Spud"). His family was his pride and joy, and he never missed an opportunity to tell them how much he loved them.
He was one of six siblings - the late Robert Butler; Michael Butler (wife Loretta); Kelvin Butler (wife Gina); Edward Butler; and Laforess Billings (husband John). He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Lee Butler, and his mother, Hilda Grace Butler. Steven also shared lifelong friendships with Donna Curvin, Janice Riley, Walter Bembry, Pastor Howard Williams. Steven is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews.
Steven's education began at Charlton Street School, continued through Arts High School, and then Essex County College. He went on to work for the Newark Board of Education and later the Port Authority of New York/New Jersey, where he retired in 2017.
Steven had an incredible artistic spirit. He was a gifted musician who played percussion, the kalimba, and the harmonica. He loved singing and harmonizing with his family - often performing with their family band, entertaining neighbors, and competing in talent shows. He was an all-around artist, which resulted in many drawings, paintings, poems, and copy-written songs. He enjoyed trivia and often "competed" as a Jeopardy contestant from the couch. He was a collector of many things, such as model cars, coins, and postcards. Steven had a deep love of learning and reading, often working his way through the entire set of encyclopedias his parents owned.
Most importantly, Steven was a man of deep and unwavering faith. At the age of 16, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior - a decision that became the foundation of his life. He served faithfully as a deacon at Life Tabernacle Church in Newark, NJ, (Bishop Campbell) and later at Good News Bible Mission Church (Pastor Erwin Lanier, Sr.) where he coined the phrase "Raise the Praise". After moving to Tampa, Florida, Steven found a church home at Faith Outreach Center under the leadership of Pastors George and Mickey Walters. After a few years, he was elevated to an Elder. He was also a devoted co-founder and member of a men's prayer group, with members across the country.
Steven's faith wasn't just something he spoke about - it was something he lived. He was always encouraging others and praying for everyone, even from the hospital bed. His heart for people and his desire to share God's love never wavered, no matter what he was going through. Steven's life was marked by creativity, generosity, humor, and love. He will be remembered for his devotion to God, his dedication to his family, and the joy he brought into every room he entered.
We thank God for the gift of Steven's life and the beautiful legacy he leaves behind.