Elder Claude Butcher Jr.,

St. Elder Claude Butcher, Jr. was born March 17, 1951 in Newport News, VA to the late Claude Butcher, Sr., and Dorothy Butcher. He answered the angel’s call for eternal rest on Monday, February 24, 2025 at the Mayfair House Senior Living in Portsmouth, VA, and peacefully bid farewell to this world and its trouble.

Claude was raised in the Harbor Homes neighborhood of Newport News, where he was affectionately known as “Poochie” by his family and friends. He often spoke of those childhood friends and shared cherished memories. He attended Dunbar Elementary and graduated in the Huntington High School Class of 1969. Basketball was his sport in high school, and it earned him a scholarship to attend Virginia State University in Petersburg, VA.  He graduated in 1976 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. Claude was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, a member of the Hiram Abiff #90 Masonic Prince Hall Lodge, and a member of Harry S. Foster American Legion Post No. 67.  

He had a great love for  sports, music, and children. His teaching career in both the Newport News and Hampton school systems afforded him the opportunity to teach children, coach sports, and enjoy music. After many classes, students, after-school activities, and games, he retired from education, but not from work. He stayed active and engaged, working side jobs, cutting grass, visiting the sick, assisting and caring for seniors, mentoring young teens, and substitute teaching. Claude was well liked by his many friends and associates, and was known for his giving heart, caring nature, and dependability.

He gave back to the community, serving over 25 years at the Hampton Avenue Boys and Girls Club of Newport News. As a Water Safety Instructor, and the Aquatics Director, he could swim like a fish, and was a natural at teaching a love for swimming to many boys and girls. He wore the black and white stripes to referee youth and high school basketball.  Claude loved ALL sports, but his favorite was basketball.

At a young age, Claude began coming to the United House of Prayer For All People with a neighborhood mother and member, the late Sis. Viola Barner (mother of State Evangelist, Elder Lorenzo Barner). He came with them on Thursday nights and to 5 o’clock service on Sundays, even joining the cub scout troop. After graduating college, he made the decision in 1976 to join the House of Prayer in Hampton, under then-Pastor, Elder Lafayette Flowers.  

As he gained knowledge and understanding about the Faith and God’s word, he grew from male usher, to deacon, to Elder, to Saint. He was dutiful and served with commitment in any position he held. He loved the members of Hampton and was a top worker for many years. He enjoyed boldly praising God in the dance. One of his passions was singing, and he used his beautiful tenor voice as an instrument of praise to God, especially during the devotional service. He was a soloist for the VA Male Chorus and a member of the VA Mass Choir.

Once Elder Butcher stepped out to be an Elder, he never looked back. Desiring to learn more, he attended the McCollough Theological Seminary and graduated on the Dean’s List. In 2005, he was appointed the Assistant Pastor of Hampton to Elder S. Wilson, and faithfully served for 15 years until he became ill. He was blessed to travel with the Bailey General Council, where he gained more knowledge of the works of this kingdom.

He loved and married Edriene Thompson Johnson on July 17, 1988 and became “Mr. B” to her two daughters, Afi and Kemi. He later became “G-Pa” to his four grandchildren. Claude was a gentle and loving husband, who honored his commitment to the end, through sunshine and rain.

In March 2019, life threw Elder Butcher an unimaginable curve ball, when he suffered a severe stroke. Pushing through bouts in rehab and setbacks along the way, he did not let that stop him from singing, praying, and glorifying God. Whenever he attended a service, you knew from his outcries of joy that he was thankful to be in the House of Prayer. Although Hampton was his undeniable home, he enjoyed the services in Norfolk One and loved the bands, especially when the young men would lift him out of his chair so he could “shout.” He would shed tears of joy and talk about how much he enjoyed the service.

Claude was a supportive and caring brother to his sisters, and a proud and loving uncle to his nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Allen Butcher, and special mother, Ms. Sophronia “Sis” Burrell.

He leaves to cherish precious memories: his wife of 36 years, Edriene Johnson-Butcher of Hampton, VA, who supported and cared for him during his illness; two daughters, Afi Johnson-Parris (Steven) of Greensboro, NC, and Kemi Goodwin (Ronny) of Newport News, VA; two sisters, Claudette Hawkins of Hampton, VA, and Donna Goldsberry (Roy) of Petersburg, VA; one aunt, Betty Jones of Newport News, VA; two uncles, Charles Jones, and Benjamin Jones, both of Newport News, VA; a brother-in-law, Ernest Thompson, and sister- in-law, Linda Howell, both of Newport News, VA; four grandchildren, Mikayla Goodwin, Chela Parris, Zion Goodwin, Richmond Parris; three godchildren, Andrew (Andy) Dawkins, Rashad White, and Brittany Watson; and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives, and friends.  Also Special Mothers, St. Dot Bailey, and St. Barbara Thornton.

It is the desire of the Butcher Family that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

The family of Elder Claude Butcher Jr., has entrusted his final care to C. C. Carter Funeral Home.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elder Claude Butcher Jr.,, please visit our floral store.