Mrs. Joyce Tilghman Butler, 86, formerly of Cape Charles, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 14, 2020. She was born on Sept. 29, 1933, in Fairview, Va., to Edward and Elizabeth (Ames) Tilghman. She graduated from Northampton High School and later attended Tidewater Community College. Joyce was married to Harry Lawrence Butler Jr. The couple relocated to Chesapeake, where they raised four children.
Joyce is preceded in death by her parents; sister, Elizabeth Ann Tilghman Elsea; and Lawrence Butler, her best friend and loving husband of 49 years.
She is survived by her daughter, Sharon (Michael) Dunnagan; and her three sons, Harry (Debi) Butler, Gary (Karen) Butler, and Curtis (Heather) Butler. Joyce was blessed with 10 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. She will be greatly missed but forever in our hearts.
Joyce passed away during the COVID-19 pandemic, so her memorial service was postponed until Saturday, June 10, 2023, at Cape Charles Baptist Church, at 1 p.m. Her service will be combined with her son-in-law’s, Michael Dunnagan. There will be no graveside services.
