Theresa "Gerry" Butcher

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.’” John 11:25-26

Theresa Geraldine "Gerry" Abbott Butcher, 93 years old, a native of Maringouin, Louisiana, and a resident of Baker for 62 years, passed away at home on the morning of February 21, 2022. She was born on December 19, 1928 to Eva Pourciau Abbott and Giles Byron Abbott, in Maringouin, LA. She was a member of St. Isidore Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary and The Catholic Daughters.

Gerry is survived by her six children and their spouses, Karen Butcher, Randy and Robin Butcher, Patti Butcher, Janice and Hubie Branch, Stacie and David Fernandez, and Stanley Butcher; nine grandchildren and their spouses, Vera Butcher, Amber Butcher, Christy Hammac, Jennie Stone, Meghan and Kevin Silman, Tyler and Amanda Branch, Colleen and Derrick Brannon, Samantha and Cory Teer, and Stephanie Fernandez; twelve great-grandchildren, Tristin, Sean and Gabriel Silman, Lanie Marie Cook, Nicolas Hammac, Bronwyn Brannon, Taylor Stone, Kerri Thompson, Colin, Emmett, Samuel, and Benjamin Branch; in-laws, Carroll Lanier, Danny Butcher, Eugene and Sandy Hause; special daughter in laws, Beth Borrel and Alice Hutchins; lifelong friends, Virginia McKenzie, Bill and Bridget Paxton, Juanita Gaspard and a host of nieces and nephews.

Gerry is preceded in death by her husband, Samuel Lee Butcher; parents, Eva and Giles Byron Abbott; infant great-grandson, Corbin Paul Wood; sisters, Shirley Allen, LeMerle Burnett, Rowena Leonard, Jackie Urban, and Patricia Lanier; and brother, Francis Abbott; mother in law, Leafa Kay; in-laws, Pat Allen, Jimmy Burnett, Julie Abbott, Margaret and Roy Bryan, Agnes and Ed Bixler, Johnny & Helen Butcher, Dorothy and Wayne Wilson, Mary and Gene Morrow and Barbara Butcher.

She retired in 1993 after many years of service with Southern Scrap Material, where she was a bookkeeper and payroll clerk, working side by side with her sister and best friend, Shirley Allen. In her early life she enjoyed riding motorcycles, traveling whenever the opportunity arose, then, along with her husband, was an avid square dancer with The Castoffs. In later years she sang with the choir at St. Isidore, often printing and arranging the choir books, and helped in mailing out the church newsletter. She enjoyed very much giving cards in recognition of the various seasons and occasions of life and took pride in personalizing them for the intended recipient. Throughout the years Gerry was known for her excellent cooking skills. Although she had a very small kitchen, she would prepare massive, mouth-watering meals. It gave her great pleasure to fill the stomachs of the family and friends that often gathered at her home. She will be remembered for her generosity—always ready to help those in need, her devotion to God & family and her fun-loving spirit.

Serving as pallbearers will be Carroll Lanier, Randy Butcher, Stanley Butcher, Hubie Branch, David Fernandez, and Tyler Branch. Honorary pall bearers are Allen Mock, Greg Allen, Kevin Silman and Gabe Silman.

The family wants to express their gratitude to Cardinal Hospice, especially nurse Peggy and aides Lorraine and Janice, and an extra special thank you to her caretaker, Gana Pizzalota. Gana, the comfort you gave “Ms. Gerry” in her final years will never be forgotten.

Relatives and friends are invited to join the family for the visitation at Baker Funeral Home, 6401 Groom Road, on Friday, February 25, 2022, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM. The visitation will continue at St. Isidore Catholic Church, 5657 Thomas Road, on Saturday, February 26, 2022, from 9:00 AM until the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM, officiated by Father Frank Bass. The rosary will be recited at 9:30 AM. The graveside service and burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, in Baker, Louisiana.