Jean Butler

Bold, brave, caring & confident, giving & forgiving, strong, smart, stylish, sassy yet softhearted.  And we can't forget her signature traits, funny & oh so feisty! Imagine one woman possessing all these traits. These are all words that describe my amazing mother, Jean Davis Butler. When I had to write this tribute about my mom, a person I’ve known all my life and present a snapshot of what kind of person she was- the truth is, it didn’t come easy. I thought to myself how do I explain to the world about such an extraordinary 84-year-old woman in just a couple of minutes? The truth is -that no amount of words on a page can truly express the type of human being she was, and the depth of the mother daughter relationship we had. She does not come with a list of accolades and achievements to be read off to you but one thing I can read off to you is how good she made people feel. Not very many people can do that for others. So, In my opinion that was her most important lifetime achievement. 

Jean Davis entered this life on May 13, 1935 in the Caribbean island of Trinidad, West Indies. She was the eldest child to the parents of Henry and Cleopatra Davis. After battling many illnesses at the age of 84 she departed this life peacefully on December 27, 2019.

Jean Davis Butler spent her early years in Trinidad under the watchful eye of her religious grandmother where she attended primary school. It was in Trinidad where she developed her love for God, steel pan, Calypso music, Carnival, dancing, and “sweet food.” Food was everything. With all of that it is no wonder she had an exuberant spirit, great cooking skills and desire to always feed people. She simply did not take No for an answer.

When an opportunity presented itself, fate went on to shape her destiny and used her skills, talents and personality to travel to Venezuela to work and better provide for her entire family. Her strong faith in God, and her determination to succeed helped her to get acclimated to the new culture and language. That took Sacrifice, Love and Courage. Later, her siblings would join her there after the death of their mother. Many of her fondest memories are from her time in Venezuela. It is there she discovered her love for the language, for the people, the culture, the politics, for radio, for jewelry and clothes.  

In 1972 Jean embarked on a new journey and moved to the United States and settled in Brooklyn, New York. She worked as a domestic, then went to school to become a health aide. Connecting with family members already here she began to quickly expand her network of loving and supportive friends.  Seeking to align herself with associations that focused on charity, love and service she joined the Order of the Eastern Star where she volunteered to feed those less fortunate. Always striving to be spiritually uplifted and elevated she attended a variety of churches because she knew it was no longer about religion but about a relationship with God. It is where she developed her love for gospel music.

Toward the end stages of Jean’s life, she struggled with too many health challenges to count physically and mentally at age 84. She told me she was dying. This time I knew she meant it. Jean has touched many lives. My mom was many things to many people: From Aunty Jean, Big Sister, Sister in law, Cousin, wife, devoted mother, strong willed Mother in law, loving Grandmother, Godmother, 2nd mother, stepmother, Advisor, counselor, truth talker, and most memorably ‘hot mout.’ She loved deeply and she was deeply loved. Throughout the years she was affectionately known as “Mama Gina” by many but to me she was simply -- my Best friend. I thank you for everything. Lord knows you ran a good race, and you journeyed to the end. I knew this day would eventually come. You’ve taught me a lot. I can only wish to strive to be half the woman that you were. Your legacy lives on. Peace be unto you, my sweet Mama Gina.

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