Cecelia R. Butler, 102, a native of Kansas City, MO, and resident of Newport News since 1966, died on Monday, January 17, 2022.

As a young entertainer and dancer, she played theaters in Vaudeville and USO shows during World War II. She moved to Norfolk in the early 1950's and worked at the Naval Air Station during the Korean War in the Public Works Department. After relocating to Newport News, she was a department manager at W. T. Grant Co. and Montgomery Ward in Denbigh. She was a long-term member and Treasurer of the Peninsula Civitan Club, which serves citizens with disabilities. Prior to the death of her husband, Arthur Butler, in 1985, they were avid boaters and active members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Survivors include her daughter, Carol Butler (Severn Kellam), with whom she traveled and shared a love of the performing arts; her daughter, Melody Butler Daniels, with whom she traveled and helped raise, train, show and occasionally breed Flat-Coated Retrievers; and many local friends.

Many thanks to Lake Taylor for their wonderful care.

A celebration of her life will be held at a later and safer date.

Interment in Peninsula Memorial Park will be private. Memorials may be made to Peninsula Civitan Club, P. O. Box 120041, Newport News, VA 23612.

Arrangements by W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home.