Obituary of Violet Mae Butcher

Violet Mae Butcher nee Buchanan was the 3rd of 10 children, born on August 29, 1922 to Benjamin and Miriam Buchanan in Union Hill, St. Ann, Jamaica. At the age of 15, she left Union Hill and moved to Kingston, and worked there for 10 years. From there, she moved to New York City and then to London, England, where she studied early childhood education at Morley College. After this, she was employed as a social worker, working with children. After 10 years, Violet moved back to New York City and continued with her social work, working in group homes for children as a house mother and such. Desire for a warmer climate pulled her to Miami. While there, she became a Mary Kay Cosmetic saleslady. She taught women from all ethnic backgrounds how to apply make-up. She stated “It brought me a lot of joy to see how this transformation made them feel; I could see it in their facial expressions.” Life was good in Miami, but Violet missed her family in Palm Bay. In the 1990s, she bought a house in NW Palm Bay and remained in her home till her passing. She was very kind, caring, compassionate, and hospitable. She was a resourceful, resilient and hardworking lady with an independent spirit like no other. She loved the Lord with all her heart. She loved Faith Baptist Church and was so proud to be part of this church family. She also loved her Ladies Sunday Morning Bible Class. She was involved with community service and most proud to receive a community service award from Easter Seal. She enjoyed singing, sewing, and cooking, but most of all, loved to read her Bible, and do her devotions. She could frequently be heard humming a hymn or favorite song. She took great pleasure in preparing a nice, fancy meal for her guests. She leaves to cherish her memory one son, Ronald Simms (Jamaica); three brothers, Herman Buchanan, Sam Buchanan, and James Buchanan (Jamaica); two sisters, Bernice Creightney (Palm Bay) and Mary McCaskill (Orlando); niece, Joyce Spencer (Palm Bay); nephew, Karry (Blanch) James (Maryland); God-daughter, Michelle McKenzie (Ft. Lauderdale); a host of nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, and other relatives, and friends. She fought a good fight. She finished the course on Friday, February 15, 2019.  Henceforth a crown of life is laid up for her. Viewing will begin at 10am, followed by services at 11am on Saturday, March 2, 2019 at Faith Baptist Church of Palm Bay, 341 Emerson Drive NW, Palm Bay FL.  Burial will follow at Fountainhead Memorial Park in Palm Bay.   After her burial a repast will be held in the Fellowship Hall at Faith Baptist Church of Palm Bay.