Anna Jeannine Butler

Anna Jeannine Butler was born on August 7, 1940, on the family farm in Oswalt, Oklahoma, to Delbert Cox and Ruth Hockersmith Cox. She departed this life at age 84 on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, in Ardmore, Oklahoma. As a young girl, she helped on the farm and learned to cook, assisting her mother in making family dinners on Sundays—a tradition she carried on and later passed down to both of her daughters. Her competitive nature and lifelong love of basketball came from her father, Delbert, who was her coach at Plainview High School. After graduating in 1958, she attended Central State University in Edmond, OK, where she played basketball and pursued a degree in Education with the hope of one day becoming a teacher. It was there that she met the love of her life, Roland Butler—the captain of the football team, who was handsome and self assured. After getting married in May of 1960, she moved with Roland to California, where their children, Rolanda, Ronnie, and Rachelle, were born. She spent these years raising her children and, after taking a cake decorating course, took great joy in making beautiful birthday cakes for her family and others. The family returned to Oklahoma in 1971, settling in Marietta, where she worked the midnight shift at the cookie factory. Eager to finish her degree, she would get off work and drive to Southeastern University in Durant each day until she completed her coursework and earned her bachelor’s degree in education.

After spending years focusing on her family and their needs, her teaching career finally began in 1975 when she took a position as an English teacher at Ringling High School. She was an excellent teacher, as her long career would suggest, but it was her ability to build relationships with her students and help them navigate life’s difficulties that ensured countless students called “Mrs. B” their friend long after their time in the classroom had ended. She spent the longest stretch of her career at Wilson High School, where she taught English and Art. She worked tirelessly to help students plan proms, build homecoming floats, and selflessly gave her time to her students with whatever they may need. Ultimately, her career in education spanned roughly 40 years before she retired for good in 2012.

Jeannine was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Roland Marion Butler; her parents, Delbert Cox and Ruth Hockersmith Cox; and her brother, Darrel Cox.

She is survived by her three children: Rolanda McCleary of Ringling, Ron Butler and wife Kelly of Ardmore, and Rachelle Zachary and husband  Mark of Norman; her grandchildren, Megan McCleary, Burke Zachary and wife Leah, Matthew McCleary, Zeke Zachary, Geoffrey Butler and wife Katya, Sydney Butler, C-Leigh Butler and fiancé Zeb Willis, Zoe Bland and husband Barrett, Taylor Wolf, Elizabeth Wolf, Addison Wolf, and Preston Wolf; and her great-grandchildren, Maveryk Tallbear, Brantley Butler, Eli Zachary, Aurora Butler, Jude Zachary, Barron Bland, Wrenly Rose Willis and Riggin Reed Willis.

 Jeannine was a remarkable woman whose presence could light up any room. Her laughter, warm and infectious, and her smile, always so comforting, made everyone feel at ease. She had a special way of making people feel seen and loved, often greeting them with a warm hug and a kiss on the cheek. As a talented painter and poet, Anna expressed her love and creativity through her art and thoughtfully gifted poems, always capturing the beauty of the world in her own unique way. Her grandchildren were her world, where they made countless magical moments at Nene & Poppy’s, from picking blackberries to finding arrowheads and enjoying competitive family basketball games. And Nene always had room for her  great-grands in her chair to snuggle. Anna’s love and care for her three children were truly unparalleled. Her unwavering devotion, constant support, and boundless love shaped their lives and created a foundation of strength and security. As a teacher, she touched the hearts of many, leaving an indelible mark on her students with her passion, kindness, and dedication. Her legacy is one of love, warmth, and joy—a legacy that will continue to live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Jeannine’s memorial service will be held at Alexander Gray Funeral Home Chapel in Wilson, OK at 2:00 pm on Monday, December 9th, 2024 with Johnny Ray Tynes officiating and Burke Zachary giving the Eulogy.  

Honorary bearers will be Burke Zachary, Matt McCleary, Zeke Zachary, Geoffrey Butler, Barrett Bland, and Owen Longest. 

In lieu of flowers, Jeannine requested donations be made to the Wilson High School Art program, which was always dear to her heart.