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Obituary For Harriett Francis Butler
Harriett Francis Butler, 93 of Sarasota, Florida, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 26, 2025 “National Beautician Day”.
Family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 2nd at the White Family Funeral Home in Bowie.
A graveside service will take place at 11 a.m. on Thursday July 3rd, at Smyrna Cemetery 4249 Smyrna Rd. in Sunset, TX.
Harriett was born in Oklahoma on June 10, 1932. Harriett truly knew that it was more blessed to give than to receive. Her generosity knew no bounds. Harriett was a devoted wife, a cherished sister, a nurturing mother to many, and a minister to all. She lived life to the fullest and especially loved spending time with her family, friends and serving the Lord.
At the age of 17, she was given the opportunity by her sister Mildred to earn her cosmetology license and begin working at her salon. Her sister Joyce, also pursued a career in cosmetology and spent her entire life running her own salon in Oklahoma City.
In her twenties, Harriett relocated to Houston, where she met and married Edward Allen Butler. She ran a salon there until the couple moved to Bowie in 1978. From that year until 2021, Harriett owned and operated Harriett’s Beauty Salon. After moving to Florida in 2021, a new opportunity emerged following Hurricane Ian in 2022. Determined to continue her passion, at the remarkable age of 90, she passed the Florida Cosmetology exam. She went on to run the salon in her Senior Living Facility for the next two and a half years, during which she formed close bonds with many of the residents and all of the staff. After an extraordinary 76-year career, Harriett put down her scissors for the final time on April 3, 2025.
She is preceded in death by her mother, Adelah Mae Carpenter and father Charles Bradley; sisters Mildred Paschal and Joyce Albert; and brother Charles Bradley.
Harriett is survived by son, Bradley Butler and Cindy Koehler; granddaughters, Madison Butler, Sofie Butler and Victoria Butler; Special Family, Bruce Ward, wife Sara and children Brandon, Barrett and Harper; sister, Charlene and husband Lonnie Duncan; niece, Rita Noyes; and nephew, Richard Pascal and wife Belle.
With deep gratitude, the family thanks Diane Romine for her loving touch making Harriett look so beautiful, and to Coy White and the White Family Funeral Home for their care and support. As well as Grand Villa of Sarasota—particularly Director Diane Gelardi and the entire staff—for their unwavering compassion, love and exceptional level of care.
In Lieu of flowers, the family kindly request donations be made to Bowie Church of the Nazarene, at https://www.bowie.church/give where she faithfully attended and served during her time in Bowie. A heartful thank you to Pastor Michael Burton officiating.
Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie, TX.
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Condolences & Tributes
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Dear Bradley and family. What a wonderful life your mother lived. She is a shining example for all women and all people. Love to you and yours in the difficult time. Jennifer, Greg, Zach and Thomas Coleman
Oh my Gigee, how I miss you so. Every sunflower and every color of yellow will remind me of you forever. If anyone can please wear a little yellow Thursday to honor my Gigee I know she would love it❤️ and sunflowers are her favorite ❤️🥹 I love you so much Gigee till we see you again. Please watch over us
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We are all so sad to lose such a beautiful person who meant so much to so many people. Her smile would always light a room. I always remember her famous biscuits and gravy-how she poured love into everything she cooked. One thing is for certain she is in heaven and we all have a new guardian angel.
Harriet was like a second mother to me. She took me in my first year teaching as a struggling kid trying to start his life. I always ate with Harriett and her family every Monday night for 14 years. She was always there to help. I am so saddened. I had a lifetime of memories with her.
Such a wonderful lady. I have missed her expertise since she left Bowie in her salon, but more I have missed her friendship and comradeship. Rest in Peace, sweet lady and my sympathy and condolences to her family whom she loved deeply. May the Peace of Christ be with you though these hardest of times.
There are not enough words to describe my beautiful friend. Full of love and Godly wisdom. My family will hold the memory of Harriet close in our hearts.
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Wishing you and your family peace in the coming days, Brad. I have so many fond memories of Aunt Harriett and the time we spent each summer in Bowie. She passed a lot of wisdom my way, wisdom that's stuck with me through the years. What a beautiful woman inside and out. God be with you and yours. Katie, Mike, Graham & Sullivan Brem
I have such fond memories of Harriett as a customer and a friend. I enjoyed my visits at her salon every other week for many, many years. My fondest memory was her attending an event I had with 100 other stylists. The famous stylist teaching the class was so impressed with her longevity in the salon business. I can not find the photo they took together but she had it framed on her styling station. I had not seen her since 2018 but I thought about her often. A friend in Bowie called to let me know - prayers to all. Missy Duffle -former owner of Armstrong McCall of Wichita Falls Professional Beauty Supply
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Brad, I met your Mother at your house and enjoyed her company, my prayers are with you and your family 🙏🙏
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Brad, I met your mom through Diane. She immediately lit up the room. Her energy and the twinkle in her eye was so remarkable for her age. We are grateful to know we will see her again in heaven. Also grateful of the live and care you showed her all the way to the end. Thank you for sharing her with us.
Cindy and Brad, So sorry to learn of Gege's passing. May all your precious memories with her help you through this difficult time. Praying for your peace and comfort. God bless. Eddie and Michelle Hargis
Cindy and Brad, I'm so sorry for your loss. Harriett is now walking with the Lord—and with sweet Lola—whole and at peace.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
