Obituary of Jean Davis Coleman Butler

BELFAST – Jean Davis Coleman Butler, 94, passed away July 13, 2015 at Tall Pines Nursing Facility. Jean was born November 20, 1920 to Albert Davis, Sr. and Anna Deeks, in New York. Jean and her siblings grew up in Maspeth, New York during the Great Depression. Their mother struggled to keep the family together and as a result they spent a few years in a home for children. This period in Jean’s life was traumatic for her. She survived with memories and stories that shaped her outlook on life. Jean attended and graduated in 1938 from Newtown High School in Elmhurst, New York. She was an avid reader and had a strong desire to learn. This joy of succeeding and performing well academically was the impetus for her teachers to encourage her to pursue a college education. However, Jean chose to help her mother and family by working. Jean held numerous positions over the years. Most were in the secretarial field, especially as bookkeeper for a celery farm in Florida. She and husband Joe, along with friends, owned a beverage distributorship on Long Island, New York. Jean used her talent of sewing to create caricature throw pillows with husband, Tom. Her love of bringing old pieces of furniture was used in opening an antique shop in Readsboro, Vermont. Jean’s joy of learning came to fruition when she studied for and became a real estate broker in Vermont. Jean’s ability to create tasty meals was used as the head of the school lunch program in Stamford, Vermont. She and Tom opened and operated Butlers’ Pantry in Readsboro. Probably the highlight of her many talents was when she and Tom purchased a rundown Victorian home in the historic district of Elizabeth City, North Carolina and brought it back to its old glory. Jean’s sewing skill was used to beautify her home. She created crewel wall hangings, curtains, reupholstered furniture, slip covers and quilted bed covers. For grandchildren, she made dolls, rocking horses and cradles. Jean was never settled; she was always on the moved doing something, usually involving her many talents. Mom, we pray that you are at peace with family and friends. Jean was predeceased by her mother, her brothers: Joseph, Albert, Jr., and Robert, and husbands: Joseph Luke Coleman and Thomas F. Butler. Jean is survived by a sister, Charlotte Anderson of East Islip, New York; sons: Joseph Patrick Coleman and wife Virginia of Wake Forest, North Carolina and Gregory Coleman and wife Mary Jane of Waldo; daughter Jean Samples of Chester, Vermont; seven grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. At Jean’s request there is no funeral. Donations can be made in Jean’s name to the activities program at Tall Pines Nursing Facility. The family wishes to express its gratitude to the staff of Tall Pines Nursing Facility for their care and support while Jean was a resident.