Paula Louise Butler, 57, of Athens, died Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2009, at Life Care Center of Athens.

A native and lifelong resident of McMinn County, she was a daughter of the late Thomas Owen "T.O. Todd" and Frances Louise Land Kennedy, and was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Dennis "Denny" Butler, on April 8, 1998. She was a member of Westview Baptist Church and was a former employee of Goody's Department Store and Lays Sportswear.

Survivors include one daughter and son-in-law, Tina and Chris Cleek of Athens; one sister and brother-in-law, Mary Burchalene "Burchie" and the Rev. Kenneth Gardner of Athens; two granddaughters, Heather Cleek and Shelby Cleek; and one niece, Emily Moody.

Funeral services will be 8 p.m. Thursday in the chapel of Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home with the Rev. Kenneth Gardner officiating. Burial will be 10 a.m. Friday in McMinn Memory Gardens.

Active pallbearers will be Ricky Butler, Charles Butler, Jason Moody, Josh Hyde, Chris Cleek and Kenneth Gardner.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.