Janie Ellen Butler

Janie Ellen Butler, a beloved mother, grandmother, and sister, passed away peacefully on December 5, 2025, in Beaumont, Texas, at the age of 75. Born on March 26, 1950, in Mattoon, Illinois, she dedicated her life to her family and her community.

Janie's career spanned various roles that reflected her commitment to service. She proudly served as a Corrections Officer at the Leblanc Unit in Beaumont for seven years, making lasting impacts in the lives of those she interacted with. She spent 15 years as a waitress at Sartins Seafood in Sabine Pass, as well as working at Deslatte's Seafood. Her versatility also saw her working as a custodian at Walmart in Port Arthur and as a Cafeteria Lady and Custodian at Sabine Pass Independent School District for seven years.

A graduate from high school and a devoted member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, Janie embraced her faith deeply, and this guidance shaped her approach to life and her relationships with others. She was known for her playful spirit, often delighting in playing tricks on friends and family, laying the foundation for cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

Janie found happiness in the simple joys of life. She loved spending time with her family, cultivating a beautiful garden filled with roses, and indulging in her many hobbies such as reading about history, fishing, baking, and listening to music. Additionally, she enjoyed sewing and crocheting, activities that allowed her to express her creativity and share her love with others through handmade gifts.

Janie's legacy will continue through her loving family. She is survived by her daughters, Joni Bullard and her boyfriend David, and Jancy Yoakum and her husband Finley; her son, Justin Smith and his wife, Angie; and her cherished grandchildren: Ty Fuller; Michael Smith and his wife, Ashley; Dylan Brunson and his girlfriend, Ayaceli Castro; Kealey Yoakum and her boyfriend, Slade; Kayla Dominy and her husband, Jordan; Finley Yoakum IV; and Presley. She also leaves behind four great-grandchildren: Casey Smith, Cassidy Smith, Carlito Smith, and Marai Dominy; four sisters: Sandra Losleben and her husband, Craig; Dixie Jennings; Patty Davis and her husband, John; Lorrie Seymour and her husband, Byron; and her brother, Tom Butler.

Before her passing, Janie was preceded in death by her parents, Burton LeRoy and Margaret Jane (Smith) Butler; her sons, James Bernard Smith Jr. and David Glen Antilley Jr.; her brothers, Michael LeRoy Butler and James Steven Butler; her granddaughter, Samantha Michelle Smith; and her nephews, Brad Eliot Burton and Bucky Wigley Jr.

A memorial service celebrating her life will be held on Friday, December 12, 2025, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Port Arthur, Texas, beginning at 11:00 AM with a reception to follow at the Sabine Pass Community Center in Sabine Pass, Texas. Janie's vibrant spirit and loving nature will forever remain in the hearts of all who were fortunate to know her.

Please do not send flowers to the Kingdom Hall due to severe allergies to flowers and in lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to JW.org.