Cleo Butler, age 85, of Pennsylvania Avenue, Suffolk, died on Nov. 14, 2008. She was the daughter of the late Hurley Franklin and Victoria Lewis Butler, a Suffolk native and lifelong resident. Cleo was also predeceased by her sisters, Louise B. Eure and Levylette Butler and her brother, Raymond Harvey Butler.
Miss Butler was secretary to the director of purchasing and to the purchasing agent at Planters Division of Nabisco for 25 years, the last 13 years of which she was the purchasing agent for National Peanut Corporation Division of Nabisco. She was a member of Suffolk Christian Church since the age of 18, sang in the choir and was a soloist at the age of 16.
Miss Butler was a serious student of voice, having studied with an international teacher in Richmond for seven years, as well as others. She was known in musical circles in Southeastern Virginia during the 1950s and ‘60s for recitals and service to many church choirs, as well as radio work.
Graveside services will be held Monday, Nov. 17, 2008 at 11 a.m. at Cedar Hill Cemetery, with the Rev. Michael Halley officiating. Memorial donations may be made to Nansemond-Suffolk Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 1515, Suffolk, VA 23434 or Suffolk Christian Church Building Fund, 216 N. Main St., Suffolk, VA 23434. Parr Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family. Condolences may be registered at www.parrfuneralhome.com.