- Date Of Birth: February 20, 1956
- Date Of Death: April 5, 2020
- State: New York
Lottie Mae Butler-Douglas born February 20, 1956, in Pineville, South Carolina, was the daughter of the late Elizabeth Jones Butler and the late Moses Butler. She has seven siblings. She started her formal education at Santee Elementary School in St. Stephens, South Carolina. When her family migrated to New York in the 1960s, she continued her education and graduated from South Shore High School in Brooklyn, New York. She went on to study at Brooklyn College, where she received a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Science in Education.
Lottie (affectionately referred to as Sister Lottie) became employed with the New York City Department of Education in 1982. She worked at IS 88 in Brooklyn for most of her teaching career. During her 31 years of service, Lottie worked with a team of administrators, teachers, and parents in helping to develop young adults in the areas of English Language Arts and Visual Arts. She organized competitions, Art exhibits, performances, and field trips for the learning community. Lottie was adept in the area of developing differentiated model classrooms to teach students with different abilities. She shared her knowledge and expertise with her colleagues as a Mentor and Professional Development Specialist.
Lottie joined Aubrey L. Douglas in marriage on September 18, 1994. The couple settled in Canarsie (Brooklyn) and built a beautiful life for themselves. They went on many vacations and cruises, enjoyed the pleasure of hosting events in their home, and attended many social and cultural events in the community.
Lottie defined her spiritual energies as Christian. She grew up in the Pentecostal church in South Carolina. For over 25 years she was a member in good standing of Church Of New Beginnings in Brooklyn, New York. Her breadth of work in the church included trustee, church school teacher, speaker, worship leader, and special events, coordinator. She worked with the community and local artists to produce exemplary programs. “Wade In The Water” and “A Luta Continua- The Struggle Continues; African American Spirituals and Poems of Praise, Protest and Encouragement” were two of her notable productions. She also planned cruises, lobster fests, family outings, and special trips, among which was to the Smithsonian’s African American Museum in Washington, D.C. She never became weary of serving people. In 2019, she was elevated to the role of Minister of Development and Financial Affairs in the Church of New Beginnings.
One of Lottie’s special interests was baking. She became interested in baking cakes and pies from watching her mother bake cakes in a wood-burning stove. Lottie perfected her mother’s recipes and made some finger-licking desserts. On occasions to many to count, she would surprise the congregation with one of her “mouth-watering” German Chocolate or Coconut layered Cakes.
Lottie was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer in April of 2019. A few months after her diagnosis, she told her pastor that she was going to “tie up her loose ends on earth” because she knew that the illness would end her life. Lottie went through a challenging year of treatment and medical procedures. She continued her service to the church until she was physically unable to. All through her challenges, Lottie remained in a loving relationship with God. She declared that she was not afraid to die and diligently prepared her love ones for her transition. On Sunday, April 5, 2020, at 9:52 pm, Lottie made a peaceful transition at her home with her loving husband, Aubrey, by her side.
Sister Lottie is survived by her husband, Aubrey; two children from another mother: Tanya T. Hughes (Austin), Shanti Douglas; three adorable grandchildren: Caleb, Austin known as LJ, Nyame; Seven siblings: Corrie Pearl Mack, Mary Austin, Samuel Butler, Silas Butler (Kessiah), Paul Butler, Elizabeth Butler, Rebecca Watson (Melvin); In-laws: Beryl, Noel Norma, Orette, Vivienne; a great friend: Elaine Sutherland; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, acquaintances, friends, and a loving church family.
Submitted by the family.
