Fay Elizabeth (Beth) Agnew Butler, of Vicksburg, passed away on Dec. 7, 2023. She was born in San Diego, Ca. on Jan. 25, 1946, and grew up in O’Donnell, Tx.

The most important things in Beth’s life were family, faith and friends. In her retirement she could fully focus on those.

She enjoyed spending time with her retired nurses’ group at their monthly lunches. She formed a close bond with a group of ladies in a Bible study that met in their homes.

She traveled the world with the love of her life, Dwain. She spent time with her grandchildren when they were all younger and she was in better health.

She loved baking, reading, and helping others.

Beth was a longtime nurse in Vicksburg. She began her career at Mercy Hospital, moving from the Emergency Room into their Home Health department, which eventually became Amedisys Home Health. She loved her patients and always went above and beyond for them.

Beth was also very involved with her church of over 50 years, Vicksburg First Church of the Nazarene, where the other church members became family.

Beth served as the church pianist for many years. She also taught Sunday School classes, assisted with missions lessons, Vacation Bible School, and countless other activities through the years.

Preceding her in death were her parents James Agnew and Elizabeth Jeffries Agnew and several brothers.

Her foster parents, Pete and Rene Page, were critical to her formation.

Surviving Beth is her husband of 55 years, Dwain; her daughters Tasha Butler (Joseph Jernigan) and Tamara Johndrow (Jeffrey); her grandchildren Skylar Johndrow and Anna Johndrow; her brother James (Paul) Agnew and sister LaDell Myers.

Beth has chosen to donate her body to the University of Mississippi Medical Center in hopes that future physicians and researchers will learn more about her conditions to help others.

The family wishes to thank several medical staff who have assisted in Beth’s care in recent years: Dr. Joyce Wade-Hamme, Dr. Richard Wells, Dr. Sam Pierce, Dr. Murray Whitaker, Dr. Robert McMurray and the caring staff at Amedysis Home Health.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Thursday, Dec. 28,  at 11 a.m. at Hawkins United Methodist Church (3736 Halls Ferry Road, Vicksburg, MS 39180).

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to the National Scleroderma Foundation, mail to Lockbox National Scleroderma Foundation, P.O. Box 411533, Boston, MA 02241-1533. Donations can also be made online at www.scleroderma.org/donate or to a charity of your choosing.