Victoria Marie Butler

Victoria Marie Butler affectionately known as “Vicky” entered into Heaven’s gates on September 19, 2020 at the age of 72. She was born August 30, 1948 in New Orleans, Louisiana to Nelia Bickham and the late Esco Bickham, Sr. Victoria attended G. W. Carver High School. She was a faithful member and employee of Gaza Missionary Baptist Church, where she sang in the Sanctuary Choir for many years. Victoria was one of the original members of The New Orleans Comforters Gospel Group which originated in 1967. She retired after thirty-one years from Pendleton Memorial Methodist Hospital in 2005. Victoria also worked as a lead member of CV Designs. Her undeniable sewing skills and floral expertise was the highlight of many special events. Victoria was preceded in death by her father Esco Bickham, Sr., a loving stepfather John Varnado, two brothers Mason Bickham, Sr. and Roy Ratliff and her only granddaughter Che’la Victoria Butler. Survived by her four loving children, Cleveland Butler, Jr. (Sharon), Melinda Thomas (Terrance), Lakisha Batiste (Rodney III) and Michael Butler; her mother Nelia Varnado; former spouse and good friend Cleveland Butler, Sr. ; five grandchildren, Cleveland Butler III (Janee’), Ryan Butler, Donte Lee, DeMichael Butler and Iby Hampton III; one great grandchild, Cleveland Butler IV; eight brothers, Esco Bickham, Jr. (Peggy), Dennis Bickham, Sr. (Janet), Theodore Ratliff, Rodney Ratliff, Ronald Ratliff, Roland Ratliff, Ray Ratliiff and Reginald Ratliff ; nine sisters, Gloria Sanders, Myrtis Warren, Antionette Lawrence, Shirley Adams (Russell, Sr.), Irma Harris, Corrine Wright (John, Jr.), Grace Reed, Dorothy Perrilloux and Annette Warren; three godchildren, Everett Sanders, Sr., Yolanda Jackson and Jalen Pelrean; a devoted best friend Maggie Carr and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. The family wishes to extend a special thanks to the staff of Touro Hospital. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Service at Second New Guide Baptist Church, 1424 South Dilton Street, Metairie, LA. Pastor R. J. Bolling, Sr., officiating on Saturday, October 3, 2020 at 11:00 am. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am. Entombment: Garden of Memories Cemetery. As mandated by the State of Louisiana due to the COVID-19 pandemic, attendance is limited. Everyone is required to adhere to all restrictions. You must wear a face mask at all times and practice social distancing. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook, share memories and condolences for the family.