Ann "Cathy" Butler, age 71, of Bladenboro, North Carolina, passed peacefully into her eternal home on July 28, 2026, at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst, North Carolina. She was born on October 7, 1954, in Lumberton, North Carolina.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Romulus and Theda Mae Freeman; her baby sister, Beverly Reaves; and the love of her life, her husband, George Butler. While there is no doubt she was welcomed by many loved ones in Heaven, we know Papa George was waiting first with open arms.

Cathy leaves behind the pride and joy of her life: her son, Brad Jones, and his wife, Jessica Jones. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Braylon Jones (Kaitlyn), Zackary Jones, Emma Jones (Nick), and Jayce Jones; her great-grandson, Briggs Jones; her brothers, Jimmy Freeman (Jean) and Elvin Freeman (Faye); along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will miss her deeply.

To know Cathy was to know a woman who loved with her whole heart. Her family was the center of her world, and she never apologized for making them one of her greatest priorities. She held many titles throughout her life, but the ones she treasured most were "Mama" and "Grandma; those were the roles she embraced with love, devotion, and sheer pride. She was also a beloved aunt whose home, heart, and kitchen were always open. Whether you were family by blood or simply by choice, Cathy had a way of making everyone feel welcome, cared for, and well-fed.

Some of Cathy's greatest joys were found in the simple things - holiday gatherings, a house full of family, and a kitchen filled with the delicious smells of something baking in the oven or frying on the stovetop. Her homemade chocolate layer cakes and sweet potato casseroles became cherished family traditions that everyone looked forward to year after year. In fact, nothing could bring the family back together after a heated Chinese Christmas gift exchange quite like a slice of Aunt Cathy's chocolate cake. And if you attended those Christmas gatherings, you also knew better than to pick the gift Cathy had her eye on - or the one she brought herself every single year. That towel set and the $20 bill belonged to her, and everyone knew it!

Life was not always easy for Cathy. She faced more than her share of health challenges, but each obstacle or setback was met with determination, incredible strength, and enough stubbornness to face whatever came her way head-on. She was genuinely a fighter to the very end.

Although our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing Cathy left this world surrounded by those she loved the most. The family finds peace and assurance in knowing that the very moment she took her last breath here on earth, she opened her eyes in the presence of her Savior, Jesus Christ.

While we will miss her deeply until we meet again, we choose to hold tightly to the memories, traditions, and unconditional love she leaves behind. We have no doubt that Heaven is a little sweeter now that Cathy is there.

And until we see her again, there's only one final thing to say: her son does, in fact, love her the mostest!

The family will receive friends on Thursday, July 30, 2026 at Bladenboro Funeral Chapel from the hours of 6:00PM until 8:00PM.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00PM on Friday, July 31, 2026 at Northside Baptist Church with Pastor Ronnie Brisson officiating. Burial will follow the service in Pinecrest Cemetery in Bladenboro.

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Bladenboro Funeral & Cremation Service: 400 S. Main Street, Bladenboro NC, 28320. 910.809.0130