Obituary: Lawrence "Hot" Butler

Lawrence "Hot" Butler

September 12, 1939 - June 14, 2026

86 Years of age

Mr. Lawrence Butler was born September 12, 1939, to the late Lafayette Butler and Marie Henderson Butler Thompson in Edwards, Mississippi. Hot, as he was known, confessed Christ at an early age and united with St. Mark M.B. Church in Edwards, Mississippi, under the leadership of Rev. L. C. Pickens. He later joined Elbethel M.B. Church after moving to Bolton, Mississippi, where he served on the Finance Committee. He faithfully attended Asbury U. M. Church under the leadership of Rev. Charles Bryant; he was considered an Associate Member of Asbury.

Lawrence “Hot” Butler attended Bakers Creek Elementary School, Edwards Junior High School, Hinds County Agricultural High School and Utica Junior College, where he excelled in basketball. From there, he was drafted into the United States Army. He was joined in matrimony with Velma J. Watson on October 27, 1966. To this union, one child was born, T. Alisa Butler Kidd. Lawrence worked for several years for the Mississippi Highway Department. Lawrence was sworn in as an Alderman for the Town of Bolton in June 1973. He was later elected to serve as Mayor of Bolton in June 1980, where he served until his retirement in June 2025.

During his tenure as Mayor, he was known as the “HANDS-ON” Mayor and was considered the Town’s Public Works Department, as he would repair residents’ water leaks and busted pipes and clean out drains on private property, never worrying about whether he would be sent to jail for making repairs on private property. During his tenure as Mayor, he was instrumental in the development of Bolton’s Industrial Park. He served many years as the President of the Mississippi Association of Black Mayors, and he served on the Board of Merchants and Planters Bank. He campaigned for MANY candidates, known and unknown; it didn’t matter if he was with you, he was with you all the way, win or lose!

Hot was the go-to person for campaign signs back in the day. If you were running for any position in Hinds County, you had to “come to Bolton.” He and a dedicated group from the Warehouse Lounge would work into the night making signs for candidates!!! One of his greatest joys was mentoring young men and women. He was insistent that you had to attend school to work with him. He taught many life skills to the youth that they carry with them today. He so loved the young people that worked for the Town; he would use his money to purchase clothes, shoes, and food as well as pick them up from classes. He would curse them down to the ground, but loved each one that came through deeply. As children to young adults, his nephews came to Bolton to work every weekend. There were three people he would fall out with, but we knew not to say one word because, in a few days, they would be back straight and would fall out with you if you said anything. His wife, Jean, always said if it’s Marty, Kris, or Dre, don’t get in it; Hot will be right back good with them!!

He enjoyed spending time with his “senior friends” at their meeting spot, where he was probably the most opinionated and fiery person in the group, and boy, could he “cuss.” He was the most generous person you would meet; he would truly give you his last. He loved his granddaughter and would tell anyone listening all about Alana “Knot,” as he nicknamed her.

Hot leaves behind a loving family who will have lasting memories: his wife, Velma Jean Butler; daughter, T. Alisa Butler Kidd; son-in-law, Undare (Dre) Kidd; bonus son, David Williams (Azande), Clinton, MS; granddaughter, Alana Grace Kidd; grandson, Erin Drumgoole, Chicago, IL; sisters: Annie Harper (Benjamin), who he always referred to as “my sister Ann;” Barbara Hunter, Gardena, CA; Narcissus Noriega Pena (Octavio), Desoto, TX; Dianna Lang, Desoto, TX; Rosa Lane (James), Bolton, MS; Ollie LaRue, Ridgeland, MS; Martha Mack, Gulfport, MS, and Yvette Peters (Stanley), Riverdale, GA; brothers: Denois Butler, Gulfport, MS; Ray Butler (Tabatha), Gulfport, MS; Hayes Butler, Bolton, MS; and Jarvis Butler, Jackson, MS. Additionally, his memories will also be shared with Wille Jean Wallace Byrd and Shirley Wallace Owens.

Sisters-in-law: Carolyn Spiller, Bolton, MS; Vertie Dixon, Jackson, MS and Vertie M. Lamb Cheathan (Willie), Jackson, MS.; Brothers-in-law: Ray Charles Bracey, Moss Point, MS and Undray Lamb, Bolton, MS. Nieces: Teresa R. Harris, Hampton, VA; Karen Harper Reed (Warren), who he loved like a daughter; and Kerrie Spiller. Nephews: Andre T. Harris (Chenelle), Newport News, VA; Travell Harvey (Felicia), Jackson, MS; Keith Harper (Sharon) and Kristopher Harper. Many of his best friends: Preston Montgomery, Leroy Henderson, Robert Mack, Benard Robinson, Alonzo Caston, Rev. Clyde Robinson, and all of the men of Classic Convenience (Bolton Chevron).

Hot was preceded in death by his father, Lafayette Butler; mother, Marie Henderson Butler Thompson; stepfather, John D. Thompson; his beloved nephew, Marty M. Bracey; mother-in-law, Ruby Lee Bracey Griffin; fathers-in-law, Clifton Watson and S. M. Griffin; and sister-in-law, Ruby Jackson.

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