Shirley Jean Butler was born on March 14, 1946, in Hot Springs, Arkansas to the union of John and Coretha Neal. Shirley was the 7th of thirteen children.Shirley accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Eureka Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend M.T. Tucker. Shirley attended Goldstein Elementary School and the Historic Langston High School in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

In 1964 at the age of eighteen, Shirley relocated to Chicago, Illinois where she met and married the love of her life Clifton "Cliff" Butler. The two were married for sixty years. Shirley welcomed her first child in 1965, a true miracle as she was born prematurely, weighing just 1 pound. Despite the challenges, her daughter, Valerie thrived. Shirley later went on to give birth to two sons, Clifton Maurice and Rodrick, completing her family with love and resilience. While being a devoted wife and mother, Shirley decided to further her education by earning her AA degree from Malcolm X, a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education, a Masters in Special Education and a second Masters in Education Administration from Northeastern Illinois University. Shirley's education allowed her to become gainfully employed by the Chicago Public School system for twenty-four years. Shirley was influential and inspirational. She mentored others that aspired to become future educators and administrators. Shirley was a Special Education, teacher and Assistant Principal at Grover Cleveland Elementary and then became an Assistant Principal at Von Steuben High School. Her inspiration knew no bounds, and she served those with special needs and those that were fortunate enough to know her. Shirley even invited her students into her home and made them a special part of her family. Her impact will be felt for generations, as she touched countless hearts and minds with her wisdom, kindness, and dedication. Shirley retired in 2006 and later became the devoted great-grandmother to Demari. In 2007, Shirley and Cliff became the proud owners of Butler's BBQ & Grill in Wheaton, Illinois. During this time, Shirley welcomed her second great-grandchild Saniyah, born in 2011. Shirley and Cliff decided to close their business and live a retired life in 2012. In 2014, Shirley, Cliff, Demari, and Saniyah all relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada.  In 2022, Shirley and family relocated back to Westchester, Illinois to be near family as her health began to fail.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents John Madison and Coretha Neal, her siblings:  Ardella Mae Washington, John "Pete "Neal Jr, Charles Edward Neal, Leontyne "Tina" Crutchfield, Monte Irwin Neal, Sr., and Gilbert Wayne Neal.Shirley leaves behind many to cherish her memory; her loving husband Cliff, daughter Valerie, sons Maurice and Rodrick, six grandchildren: Rozalynn, Tequila, Chasity, Clifton Maurice "Lil Maurice), Teliyah and Dominic. Two incredibly special great-grandchildren Demari and Saniyah who meant the world to her.Shirley also leaves to honor her memory her siblings; Helen Ward and Jerri Neal Cotton both of Chicago Illinois, Arthur "Ray" (Ardelia) Neal of Maywood, Illinois, LeAnita (Darryl) Muldrew of Hope, Arkansas and Diallo "Bobby" Omavi of Las Vegas, Nevada, a host of nieces and nephews who adored her.

Funeral visitation will be held on Friday September 27, 2024 from 4pm to 8pm at Hursen Funeral Home & Crematory, SW corner of Roosevelt & Mannheim Roads, Hillside.

Lying In-State, Saturday from 10:00 am until time of service 11:00 am at Friendship Baptist Church, 5200 West Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60644