Deanna Yvonne (Thorpe) Butler

A BEACON of Light in Life And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13 Deanna Yvonne Thorpe Butler, a beautiful girl, with a smile that melts hearts, was born on September 8, 1983 in New London, Connecticut. Deanna was the first of three children to hear the rhythm of her mother’s heartbeat and to feel the joy in her father’s arms. She will continue to be loved and cherished by her parents, Carmen and Tyrone Thorpe, her sister, Danielle Thorpe (Charlottesville, VA) and brother, Tyrone Thorpe, Jr (Raleigh, NC). Deanna was blessed with a beacon of light in her life, her 10-year-old son, Eric Butler II (aka Deuce), who was both the greatest gift to her as his mom as well as her gift to love and share joy with family and friends. Her greatest joy was to nurture him emotionally, spiritually and intellectually to bring out the best of what he could be. Deanna loved building wonderful memories with Deuce during quiet moments or fun times. They both shared their love of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Whether they were making Tik Toks, visiting Carowinds, baking, cooking or enjoying sports games, she worked with her family and his father, Eric Butler, to ensure that he had the best life possible. Deanna loved to embrace the hearts of children and could speak a language to reach them. She had the gift of being able to nourish their minds and souls both as a “Tantie” to her only nephew, Ace James Thorpe, and as a teacher to the youth at Whitewater Middle School. Teaching was her ultimate passion that was discovered through children and she had mastered being an accomplished educator in her life. Deanna built incredible relationships with all whom she embraced in life whether it was through sports like softball or football, dance (including some very special performances with her mom and her friends), education, college or a large extended family that spans both the USA and Aruba, NA. Her light will shine forever through all of her loved ones, both by blood and in heart, and we have been blessed to have seen her light in this world. Deanna leaves fond memories and never-ending love in the hearts of her parents, brother, sister, son, nephew, and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, numerous friends, students (past and present) and colleagues. Deanna was preceded in death by her grandparents, Ardith and Fernando Arrindell and Annie Lee and James Luther Thorpe Sr. Also, by her aunt Stella Hose, and cousin Jamal Thorpe. Having touched and enriched the lives for so many, Deanna Thorpe Butler has fulfilled her purpose on earth. Deanna departed from us on August 17, 2021. Although it’s now time to say farewell, it is not goodbye, as we know that she has gone home early to Our Lord to prepare the way and to shine a light for the rest of us when Our Father brings each one of us home. May God bless her always and keep her within His divine embrace, forever. As Jesus is the eternal light in our world; Deanna was a light that shown brightly in our lives. John 8:12: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Deanna Yvonne (Thorpe) Butler

September 8, 1983 - August 17, 2021