Evelyn M Butler

Evelyn Emma Montgomery Burke Butler, age 83, of New Orleans, Louisiana, peacefully passed away on October 31, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Evelyn was born on January 19, 1942, and throughout her life, she exemplified kindness, hard work, and a generous spirit that touched everyone she met. Evelyn was a devoted wife of the late Lloyd Butler, mother, sister, grandmother, auntie, cousin, friend, and pillar of her community. She worked diligently at her nursery job, always balancing professionalism with compassion. Beyond her work, Evelyn was known for her incredible talents and the love she poured into everything she did. She baked delicious cakes, pies, and muffins that brought joy to family and friends around, and her famous frozen cups were a neighborhood favorite. A skilled seamstress, she sewed clothes with care and creativity, ensuring that her family and loved ones were always wrapped in her warmth — both literally and figuratively creating new styles even with school uniforms for children/teens to express themselves through fashion. Evelyn lived her life in service to others. Whether through her home-cooked meals or treats, her kind words, or her helping hands, she continually found ways to bless those around her. Her legacy of love, generosity, and faith will live on in the countless lives she touched. Leaving her legacy known as the cake and frozen cup lady, we just want to say job well done!! Evelyn leaves behind her children, Elaine Roberts (Rodney), Sylvester Burke Sr. (Donna), and step daughter, Sherrell Johnson, grandchildren, Lawrence Mercadel Jr. (Nicole), Rodnick and Dijonara Roberts, Toby Wells, Sylvester Burke Jr. (Damika), Late Syliciya Burke, Aniya Pollar, Shayne Burke, Dwayne Johnson Sr., Dejohn Mack, a host of great-grandchildren, great-nieces & great-nephews, nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by late mother, Lorena Ardoin, late father, James Montgomery, and late sisters, Lorraine Thomas and Jeanette Montgomery. A celebration of Evelyn’s life will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at St. Luke AME Church 2500 Louisa St., New Orleans, La. 70117 with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. and services to follow at 11:00 a.m. The repass will be in the rear. Interment: Holt Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor her memory by performing an act of kindness or sharing a baked treat with someone you love — just as Evelyn would have done. Evelyn’s life was a beautiful reflection of grace, strength, and love. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Arrangements by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Avenue. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the guestbook and share condolences with the family.