Gladis Butler

First Lady Mrs. Gladis Butler

“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her.” Luke 1:45

Mrs. Gladis Butler passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 6, 2026, at Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan, at the age of 82. Gladis was born on March 11, 1944, in Kosciusko, Mississippi, to Bennie and Della Clark. She peacefully departed this life, leaving behind a beautiful legacy of love, laughter, hard work, faith, and dedication to her family and those she loved.

Gladis shared many precious years with her beloved husband, Pastor Galvin Butler, who preceded her in death. She was a faithful servant of God and served for many years as the First Lady of Bethlehem Temple Church alongside her husband. Gladis gave her life to God at a very young age. She would often proudly proclaim that she was “sanctified and filled with the Holy Ghost.” She knew her Bible like the back of her hand and could quote Scripture without hesitation. Her faith was not simply something she talked about—it was the foundation upon which she lived her life.

Gladis took great pride in caring for her family, friends, and loved ones. She was always the one to step in and help anyone in need, without asking questions. Taking care of others was one of the greatest expressions of her love.

Gladis was a woman of many talents and interests. Gladis loved sewing, crocheting, and working with her hands. She loved singing the old-fashioned gospel songs and could play the guitar, piano, and even the drums, all while tapping her foot to the music. She encouraged her children, nieces, and nephews to learn and appreciate music as well. Gladis was not known for cooking often, but when she did, she could make the best fried apple pies. She also made sure no one went hungry, especially with one of her special banana-and-mayonnaise sandwiches—if you know, you know! These simple memories are among the many things her family will treasure.

Gladis will forever be remembered for her big personality and her pure heart. Everyone she encountered became family to her. She welcomed people with love, laughter, and an open heart, and she made those around her feel cared for and accepted. Gladis spent her entire life dedicated to serving the Lord and caring for her family. To Gladis, taking care of the people God placed in her life was the most important job she could ever have. She remained faithful and dedicated until her final days.

The words of Proverbs 31:30-31 beautifully describe the life she lived:

“A woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates.”

Gladis leaves to cherish her precious memory her son, Michael Sean (Leslie P.) Benton; grandchildren, Michael Anthony Benton, Iman Simone Benton, and Rasheed Benton; great-grandchildren, Xavier Benton, Amya Erickson and Jasiah Cline.

She is also survived by her siblings, Edward Clark, Ozell (Ezell) Riley, Annie Cotton, and her very special niece, Dorothy “Dot” Ivy; close friends, Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Rush, Alberta Austin; special niece, Santana Lane; special nephew, Arthur L. Cotton; nieces and great-nieces, including Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrery (Betty) Baber; La'trisha Baber, Lisa Riley, Crystal Barkley, Aniya M. Robinson, Jaden Mack, Felicia R. Cotton- Williams, Ashley D. Williams, and Alice S. Williams; and many, many nieces, nephews, relatives, friends, and loved ones whom she cherished dearly.

Gladis was preceded in death by her parents, Bennie and Della Clark; brothers, Benjamin Clark, William Clark, Earl Clark, and James Clark, her twin brother; sisters, Warden Clark, Lee Ester Clark, Mattie Clark, Leatha May Carr, Leena Windom, Minnie Powell; and her brothers-in-law, Andrew L. Cotton, and Ezell Riley.

Though First Lady Gladis Butler has taken her rest, her love, laughter, faith, wisdom, music, cooking, and unwavering devotion to God and family will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Her work on earth is finished, but her legacy of love will live forever.