Ilene Butler

Ilene "Corkey" Butler, 82, of Cleveland, TN passed away in her home on March 1, 2012. She was of the Methodist faith. "Corkey" was the daughter of the late J.O. (Oscar) and Addie Pendergrass, and was born in Birchwood, TN. "Corkey" is survived by the love of her life and husband of 21 years, Robert "Bobby" Butler; daughters, Mary Ann Thompson Copes (Kenny) of Athens, GA, and Jane Dial of Nashville; special grandson, Charles Brian "Chewy" Smith of Cleveland; sister, Marjorie Carson of Batesville, MS; nephews, Johnny Carson (Pam) and Mike Carson (Ellen) all of Batesville, MS and nephew, Tommy Gibbons of Knoxville; nieces, Janie Cooke (Dan) of Cleveland, Charleen Potter (Ralph) of Cleveland, Faye Mooney and Gaye Pendergrass; special cousin, Bobbie June Benton of Cleveland; stepchildren, Kimber Baldinger (Paul) of Nashville, TN, Jessie Butler of Tuttle, OK and Tim Butler of Antioch, TN; step-grandchildren, Chuck, Robbie, Joe and Ellie Baldinger of Nashville. "Corkey" is also survived by grandchildren, Bobi Jane, Bambi, Robert, Travis and Jennifer Dial of the Chattanooga area. "Corkey" is also survived by brother-in-law, James T. Gibbons and sister-in-law, Bobbie Pendergrass of Cleveland. She was preceded in death by siblings, Thurman Pendergrass, Ralph Pendergrass, J.P. Pendergrass, Harvey Jean Burchfield, Eloise Johnson, Mildred Renner, Lorene Gibbons and step-mother, Mary Nell Pendergrass. The family would like to especially thank Farris Johnson, M.D. and his staff in Athens, GA for his compassionate, loving care of her health throughout the past 11 years. Dr. Johnson inspired her to care for her health as best she could while still having "a little fun" as "Corkey" called it. He always called her "Baby" and she loved that. Thank you to Dr. John Jaggers for his diligence in treating her pulmonary problems. "Corkey" retired from American Uniform Company after 32 years of service. She loved her family, her home and maintained a robust love for life throughout her 82 years on earth. Her sweet smile and kindness shall remain forever in the hearts of those who knew her. "Corkey" has been and angel to all who loved her throughout the years. Visitation will be held from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Monday, March 5, 2012 at Fike Funeral Home in Cleveland, TN. Graveside services will be conducted immediately following in Hilcrest Memorial Gardens with Pastor Lu Crandall officiating. Johnny Carson, Mike Carson, Tommy Gibbons, Chuck Baldinger, Robbie Baldinger and Kenny Copes will serve as pallbearers. We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Butler family guestbook at www.fikefh.com