Thea (Butchie) Black's Obituary
Thea “Butchie” Black was born on June 30, 1956, and peacefully made her heavenly transition on April 12, 2025. She was the second youngest of twelve siblings and attended East High School. After graduating, Thea began working at Viking Pump and later built a long, fulfilling career at Amoco/Associates in Des Moines, where she retired after 35 years of dedicated service.
Following her retirement, Thea moved from Des Moines to Waterloo to care for her mother. She remained there to continue caring for other family members who needed her help – always putting others before herself. Instead of slowing down, Thea went on to work at the Jesse Cosby Center, a job that soon became a true passion. For nearly a decade, she served as the Senior Center Director, taking immense pride in her work and forming deep bonds with the seniors and staff, who became an extension of her family.
Thea loved her Pastor, her church, and all the members of St. Mark. She often said with pride, “Our church is small, but mighty,” and she truly believed it. As an active member for over a decade, she was seen as a joyful presence in the congregation. Thea especially cherished being the MC at events – she brought light, laughter, and a special spark to every occasion. She will always be remembered for her generous spirit and her eagerness to help with anything . . . just as long as it didn’t interfere with her treasured time with her beloved sister, Rae. Thea was vibrant and full of life – funny, honest to the core, and the kind of person who’d gladly lend an ear, share a laugh, or speak her mind with love. She adored spending time with her family and friends, sending perfectly-timed animated GIFs, diving into a good book, and, more than anything, talking about her beloved grandson, Jayden; her son-in-law, Graston; and her daughter, Nicky. If you knew Thea, you knew them – whether you asked or not! They were the light of her life and the source of so much of her joy.
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. ~ Psalm 34:18
She loved her family deeply and made it a point to call everyone on their birthdays. If you had the chance to talk to her, you probably heard her infectious laugh and maybe even her favorite playful word – yes, the one that started with S-h-i . . . (you know the one!).
If Thea called you a friend, you had someone you could truly depend on. Whether she spoke to you daily, weekly, or just when the time felt right, she deeply valued her relationships and connections.
Thea will be forever loved and remembered by her daughter, Nicole (Graston) Norris, and her “Number One” grandson, Jayden, all of Flower Mound, Texas. She is survived by: Three sisters: Nola Ford of Inglewood, California; Verna Scott of Des Moines, Iowa; and Lavinia “Rae” of Waterloo, Iowa. Two brothers: Ben L. Black (OraLee) of Waterloo, Iowa, and Cornelius Black of Des Moines, Iowa. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and dear friends.
Thea was preceded in death by her parents, James L. and Mae B. Black; one brother, James “Tap” Black; and five sisters: Oneice “Niecy” Anderson, Loretta “Retta” Black, Mae Newsome, Pauled “Polly” Thomas, and Joyce Madlock.
The Sanders Service
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