Saranel Burford Detamore Davis, age 98, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 12, 2017. Saranel was born in Birmingham, AL to the late James Franklin Burford, Sr. and Marguerite Varner Burford. She grew up in the Ensley Highalnds area and was blessed with a loving, Christian family which also included 2 sisters and a brother. Her enduring and loving family relationships were special with her sisters and brother and inspired the basis for lifelong friendships among themselves. Saranel attended Howard College, where she also worked as a switchboard operator during the depression years. She never met a stranger, and had a sparkling personality that allowed everyone around here to feel not only comfortable, but to feel "special". She was kind to everyone, always looking for the "best in people". After graduation Saranel married a Naval Officer, Lt. Lowell C. Detamore and they moved to San Diego, CA at Coronado Naval Base, while Lowell served in the Pacific Theater. After the war, they returned to Birmingham where their children Lowell C. Detamore, Jr. and Donna Marie Detamore were born. She carried on the tradition of her upbringing by always putting her children and family first. She and Lowell attended Ensley Highlands Methodist Church and taught Sunday school. Her faith in God was the pillar of her life and remained with her until her last breath. After Lowell died in 1971, she started a new life and she adopted the butterfly as her symbol of a new beginning, which earned her the names "The Butterfly Lady" or "Madam Butterfly". She was never without a small butterfly pin on her shoulder and a big smile. Saranel went back to college to obtain her Master's Degree in Education and taught in classrooms in Birmingham and Huntsville for 30 plus years. She always said that teaching was "The Job" for her and that there was no better place for her to be. She loved the rewards of the classroom, but the Butterfly Lady later moved into administration in the Huntsville City School system and eventually was the Director of Federal Programs. She worked with the Huntsville-Madison County Chamber of Commerce to establish an International Education Center and also served as a representative of the Huntsville Teachers Credit Union. After retirement she again devoted herself to her family and was always there for those in need. She loved to read, especially devotional and Christian books. She and her sisters Dorothy "Dot" and Margaret "Titter" and brother Frank, Jr. "Bubba" loved and enjoyed each other into their 90's and looked forward to their conversations around the family table. Saranel married Paul R. Davis, another wonderful, kind man from Huntsville in 1987. Paul and Saranel loved each other and enjoyed life to the fullest, especially traveling and interacting with people.
One of Saranel's favorite Bible verses comes from Romans 12: 6-8 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;
8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
The Butterfly Lady always said "I want to do all of these' with God's help. Her life exemplified these traits.
Saranel was preceded in death by her husbands Lowell C. Detamore and Paul R. Davis; her parents, her sisters: Margaret Burford Dale and Dorothy Burford Brown and brother Frank Burford, Jr. She is survived by her children: Rip (Judy) Detamore and Donna (Win) Crawford; 6 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren 2 nieces and 6 nephews. She will be missed by her family and all those that the Butterfly Lady touched during her long, wonderful life on earth.
Visitation will be held on Friday, March 17, 2017 at Ridout's Valley Chapel beginning at 12 noon with the funeral service following at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery.
Flowers are accepted. If you would like to send a memorial, please do so to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Ridout's Valley Chapel.
March 23, 2017
I was fortunate to be Saranel's secretary for 12 years. You did not work for her "you worked with" Saranel. She was a special person who loved God, people and life which was evident by the way she lived. I was also fortunate to know and come to love Rip and Donna. When we had Saranel's surprise retirement party she said to Rip and Donna
"you know that you have to let me know when you are traveling and where you are going", they replied "Val knew". No matter how old Rip and Donna were they would always be her babies. My condolences and love to Rip, Donna and their family. May memories of your Mother be a comfort to you and your family and may they live forever in your heart.
Val Moore, Huntsville, Alabama
March 18, 2017
Roger and Judi Gertz
Lord bless all of the Detamore Family. Saranel was truly a wonderful Lady and loving Great-grandmother to our precious four Grandchildren! It was such a delight to have known her, and we loved her smile that made you feel so welcome! May the Lord comfort each one of her dear family!
March 16, 2017
Martha Jeffreys
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with the family now and in the days ahead.
March 16, 2017
Bobbie Houston
Such a wonderful life. Our prays go out to you & your family Donna.
March 16, 2017
Family
Ashley Prickett - Youngblood
Saranel was my step grandmother married to my grandfather Paul Davis. She was truly a positive person in my life. The glass was always half full and not half empty with her. I remember when I would go visit, I always loved looking through her butterfly pin collection ,that she wore daily with every outfit. She would let me pick out my favorites. My grandmother passed away when I was so young and Saranel was a blessing to have had in our family. Always smiling and always lighted up a room. My grandfather loved her very much! I wish that Saranel could have met my children, her great grandchildren. She would have loved Gracie and Barrett. She will be missed by all of us, Betty Prickett Davis, my brother Wes Prickett, my dad John Prickett and all of the great grandchildren that she never had the chance to meet. With love to Saranel ---Ashley Lorraine Prickett-Youngblood and family
March 15, 2017
Charlotte Bailes
Saranel hired me to work in Federal Programs when I desperately needed a job. She was a wonderful person and I feel blessed to have known her. She will be greatly missed.
March 15, 2017
Bonnie Hamner
My condolences to Saranell's family. What joy it was to have known her. We were in the same school system in Huntsville. She always had a smile and was always so positive about everything. I know she will be missed. I missed her when she left the Huntsville area.
Love and prayers to her family. Bonnie Hamner
March 15, 2017
Youell Singleton
It was always a joy to be with Saranel. She always made you feel important and that what you said meant something. To the family, thoughts and prayers will be going up for each of you.God bless!
March 14, 2017
She was an example of the Beleivers in word, deed and charity. I adored her! I am a better person, having known her.
May God comfort you!
Betty Galloway. Riverside, Al.
March 14, 2017
a loved one
March 14, 2017
To the Davis Family: My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and friends during this difficult time. I hope that the promise in 1 Thessalonians 4:14 can bring comfort. Knowing that there's a hope for the ones we have lost in death can be so reassuring.
March 14, 2017
Regina Patrick
I feel blessed to have known her. My sympathy to the family.
March 13, 2017
Joann Fife
I had the honor of caring for Ms. Davis, she was so humble and kind,she will be truly missed. love you always Ms. Davis
March 13, 2017
S J
My heartfelt condolences to the family on your loss. Life seems to fly all too quickly. How loving God is to console us with his promise of everlasting life. (John 17:3) Continue to rely on God during this difficult time and know that he hears your prayers. (Isaiah 59:1)
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