News Summary
Pastor Levi Butts Jr., a pillar in the Cleveland community, passed away at 79. Known for his dedication to faith and service, he leaves behind a legacy of spiritual leadership and community involvement. His unwavering commitment to his congregation and the city’s residents will be fondly remembered.
Cleveland, Ohio
Pastor Levi Butts Jr., affectionately known as June, who dedicated over three decades to community service and spiritual leadership, passed away at the age of 79. His commitment to faith, family, and fellow congregants made him a cherished figure in the Cleveland community.
Born on November 19, 1943, Pastor Butts was the fifth son of the late Deacon Levi Butts Sr. and Mother Rutha Butts. He is preceded in death by brothers Deacon Vandy and Bishop Stanford, as well as sisters Gloria Vaugh and Liza Butts. Pastor Butts spent his early years nurturing his faith at Williams Temple Church of God in Christ, where he attended Sunday School and church services with his parents, attributing his ability to memorize scripture to that foundational experience.
A product of the Cleveland Public School System, Pastor Butts had a diverse professional background, working various driving jobs, notably at Garfield Transit until its closure. He later secured a position with the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA), where he served for thirty years. Riders frequently commended his punctuality, illustrating his dedication to his work.
In 1986, a significant turning point in his life occurred when he rededicated his life to Jesus Christ. He became actively engaged in church service, volunteering as a driver for the church bus to help congregants attend various weekday services. His commitment to ministry deepened, as he was ordained as a Minister in 1987. The same year, he married his wife, Deborah, establishing a relationship built on the principle of putting “God first.”
Pastor Butts continued to develop spiritually through daily study of the Bible and its teachings. From 1990 to 2009, he operated a Jail Ministry, working with inmates at the Cleveland City Jail and Euclid City Jail. Through his efforts, he aimed to bring hope and spiritual growth to many individuals during their most troubled times. In 1997, he was ordained an Elder in the Church of God in Christ, further solidifying his role in ministry and community service.
In his ministry journey, he joined the OMC Fellowship C.O.G.I.C. as Assistant Pastor under his brother, Pastor Andrew Butts, eventually founding New Genesis C.O.G.I.C. in 2004. For 21 years, Pastor Butts led the church, leaving a lasting legacy through his ability to inspire a thirst for God’s Word among his congregation. Under his leadership, church members actively participated in services held every Sunday, Tuesday, and Friday, fostering a strong sense of community and spiritual growth.
Pastor Butts is survived by his beloved wife Deborah and a large family, including sons Levi, Stanford, Raymond, Aaron, Jimmy, Calvin, Darren, and his deceased son William. Daughters Gloria, Carolyn, and LaShaun also carry on his family legacy. He is additionally survived by brothers Elder Nathaniel and Andrew Sr., along with a sister-in-law, Vanessa Williams, and a wealth of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.
The contribution of Pastor Butts to the Cleveland community through his unwavering dedication to faith and service will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy as a servant of God and community leader will continue to inspire current and future generations.
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Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Levi Butts Obituary
- Wikipedia: Cleveland
- Dignity Memorial: Levi Butts Obituary (Alternate)
- Google Search: Cleveland Public School System
- Dignity Memorial: Pastor Levi Butts Legacy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ohio
- Dignity Memorial: Pastor Butts Community Impact
- Google News: Cleveland Community News
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CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HERECleveland.com, your premier source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with in-depth coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—backed by years of expert reporting and robust community input, including local press releases and business updates, while providing top reporting on high-profile events like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions, Cleveland International Film Festival, and holiday parades, alongside key organizations such as the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Orchestra, and Great Lakes Science Center, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare like Sherwin-Williams and University Hospitals, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREDayton.com, offering comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's vibrant landscape. HERE Cleveland HERE Dayton
