Christi Michelle Butler

Christi Michelle Butler, 56, of Forest City, North Carolina, passed away on September 23, 2023 after a 13-year battle with thymic cancer. She was surrounded by her family who are grieving but not without hope.

Christi was born in Mt. Airy, North Carolina to Jack and Frances Edwards on September 18, 1967 and was a blessing throughout her childhood. She was greatly admired by her younger sister, Laura.

Christi graduated from R-S Central High School and went on to earn an undergraduate degree in English from Western Carolina University and her Master’s in Counseling from Gardner-Webb University.

Soon after college, she began dating Rodney Butler, and it was soon clear they would choose each other as partners in life, love, and family. They married on December 22, 1991.

She and Rodney raised two accomplished and independent children whose lives are a reflection of the love and confidence she poured into them growing up. Their eldest daughter, Carsyn Truitt, is a speech pathologist living in Greenville, South Carolina and is married to Benson Truitt. She is the proud mother of Jack Truitt (4 months). Their younger son, Brent Butler, works in the automotive recycling industry and is married to Macey Butler. He is the loving father of Charlotte Butler (11 months).

Christi was an educator and school guidance counselor for Rutherford County Schools for over 20 years, where she impacted many students and colleagues.

She was actively involved in thymic cancer research, as well as the ITMIG (International Thymic Malignancy Interest Group). She spearheaded the successful drive to pass North Carolina’s “Right to Try” law, which allows eligible patients to request access to certain investigational drugs (including biologics) that have not yet been approved by the FDA.

Christi was an active member of Florence Baptist Church and on the founding board of directors for KidSenses, Children’s Interactive Museum.

Christi requested donations to be made to the children’s museum as an expression of sympathy in lieu of flowers; KidSenses, 172 North Main St. Rutherfordton, NC 28139.

The family will receive friends 12:00 PM to 1:45 PM Wednesday September 27, 2023, at Florence Baptist Church. The funeral service will be at 2:00 PM Wednesday September 27, 2023, with Reverend Daniel Selman, Reverend Dr. Bobby Gantt, and Pastor Gray Williams officiating. Interment at Eternal Hills Memorial Park.

McMahan’s Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

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