Christina Butler White

Christina Lynne Butler White, age 74, formerly of Charleston, MO, passed away on Friday, March 20, 2026. 

She was born on April 21, 1951, in Cairo, Illinois, and spent her childhood in Charleston, Missouri. She later made her home in San Antonio, Texas, where she spent the majority of her adult life. It was there that she met and married John T. White, and together they built a life together over many years. She worked as a second-grade teacher at Randolph Elementary School, where she not only shaped the lives of her students but also formed lifelong friendships with fellow teachers who became like family.

She was part of a close-knit group of women who shared years of bunco, brunches, trips, and a lifetime of love and laughter. She was known for her beautiful, infectious smile and her generous and giving nature. She had a way of making everyone feel like they were the most important person in the room and found joy in bringing people together, creating spaces where people felt comfortable, welcomed, and cared for. ui 0-0Her laugh was one of a kind. It could fill a room, and she had a playful, silly side that brought light to any moment. When she was playing games, winning or losing, she always had a goofy face to match. Even in stressful moments, she had a way of making others smile and easing the tension. She would greet people with a cheerful, singsong “good morning!” or “hello!” when answering the phone, a small but memorable reflection of the warmth she carried into everyday moments. 

She loved everyone’s children as if they were her own. Whether it was writing letters of encouragement, showing up in support, or simply being present, she made people feel like they belonged. She gave quietly and selflessly, never seeking recognition or the spotlight, and never expecting anything in return. She was forgiving, kind, gracious, and loving, a true example of what love looks like. She was also incredibly strong and resilient, able to carry more than most while still showing up with love and grace for the people around her.

Christmas was her favorite time of year, and she made sure everyone around her felt that same joy and magic. The living room would be filled with presents, more than you could imagine, and she always had extra gifts set aside. She kept a dresser full of cards for every moment in life, always ready to celebrate, comfort, or remind someone they were loved.

Her chicken and dumplings were a Butler family staple, always made with love and something everyone looked forward to. Cooking was one of the many ways she expressed care for the people around her.She had a gift for making people feel like they belonged, embracing both family and those who became family to her.

That love extended deeply to her nieces and nephews, especially those she spent years close to. Shanna Stringer and her husband, Marty, were a meaningful part of her everyday life for many years, sharing dinners, games, and celebrations together. Shanna’s children, Kya and Kaden, were deeply loved by her, and she treasured the time she spent with them.To her grandchildren, she will always be remembered in the little moments that meant so much. Kiko thinks of her smile. CJ remembers baking cookies with her at Christmas. And they both remember the many times she took them to the park. Haysel remembers her love most of all, and said she never once questioned how much she was loved by her Nanny. She created memories that will stay with her grandchildren forever.To her family, she was the one they called. She was always there to share in every moment, whether joyful or difficult, offering love, support, and presence without hesitation. She was deeply loved, and her absence will be felt in ways that words cannot fully express.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mea Lou Carr Butler and J.B. Butler; her son, Jimmy White; her brothers, Jimmy Butler and Dennis Butler; and her niece, Dana Brown Partaker.

She is survived by her husband, John T. White; her daughters, Ashley St. Clair (Cat) and Daiquiri Fennell (Don); her grandchildren, Heather, Joshua, Johnathan, Haysel, CJ, and Kiko; her great-grandchildren, Brianna, Jammie, Landon, Raven and Emma; her siblings, Cathy Brown, Scotty Butler (Kathleen), Kevin Butler (Donna), Kelly Butler (Angelia), Shannon Butler, and sister-in-law, Pat Butler; Teresa Biasi, and many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.

A party to celebrate her life will be held at a later date this summer.