Maria Burke Butler

Maria was born on July 2, 1941, in Houston, Texas to Dr. Thomas Walker Burke, Sr. and GeorgeAnna Lucas Burke. Maria was raised in Houston and attended St. John's School, River Oaks Elementary, and Lanier Junior High School.

She graduated from Lamar High School in 1959, where she was named the Lady of Lamar. She went on to attend the University of Texas at Austin, where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta.

In 1961, Maria married Duncan Tellef Butler, Sr. Four children were born from their union and raised in Houston. Over the years, their family grew to include twelve grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her immense pride and joy.

Maria was an active member of the Junior League of Houston and the River Oaks Garden Club for many years. She generously gave her time and talents to her community, forming many lifelong friendships through her volunteer work. Maria rarely missed a moment in her children's lives. She spent countless hours attending, coaching, and cheering at her children's and grandchildren's sporting events, as well as sitting through many hot summer camp closings.

Maria was deeply rooted and loved in both Houston and Hunt. While she spent most of her life raising her family in Houston, she was always drawn to the Texas Hill Country and her family's beloved home on the Guadalupe River in Hunt. In her later years, she made Hunt her full-time home, finding great happiness among the friends, neighbors, and natural beauty she cherished so deeply.

Family was at the center of Maria's life. A devoted daughter who remained deeply connected to her parents throughout their lives, she carried that same unwavering love into every role she held—as a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Maria never met a stranger and had an extraordinary ability to make people feel welcomed and loved. Whether hosting parties at home in Houston, spending time with family and lifelong friends, or welcoming visitors to Hunt, Maria's home and heart were always open. To those who knew her, she was truly one of a kind: an irreplaceable presence whose spirit, knowledge, kindness, and laughter left a lasting impression on all who crossed her path.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. Thomas Walker Burke, Sr. and GeorgeAnna Lucas Burke; her brother, Thomas Walker Burke, Jr.; and his wife, Patricia Hughes Burke.

Maria will be remembered as a loving matriarch, loyal friend, gracious host, and trusted confidante. Classy, elegant, and endlessly kind, she was the heart of so many gatherings and celebrations. She was a truly special woman whose love, wisdom, and unwavering support helped shape generations. While her absence leaves an immeasurable void, her legacy will live on through the family she cherished and the countless lives she touched.

She is survived by her children: Duncan Tellef Butler, Jr. and his wife, Kari; Maria Butler Henderson and her husband, Jay; Burke Walker Butler and his wife, Melissa; and JoAnna Butler Hurley and her husband, Seldon.

She is also survived by her twelve grandchildren: Alexandra Butler Williford and her husband, John; Anna Butler Lowrey and her husband, Ryan; Duncan Tellef Butler III; Sarah Burke Butler; Andrew Addington Butler; Hayden Maria Henderson; Clarke Henderson Wooten and her husband, Timm; Lucas Walker Henderson and his wife, Brindall; GeorgeAnna Hurley Yetterberg and her husband, Trevor; JoAnna Parker Hurley; Joseph Walker Butler; and Margaret Kathryn Butler.

She is further survived by seven great-grandchildren: Kathryn Butler Williford, Elizabeth Burke Williford, John Kenneth Williford IV, Duncan Tellef Butler IV, Blake Elizabeth Butler, Sterling Jay Henderson, and Walker James Wooten.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to:

Nancy Maldonado, Maria’s devoted caregiver; Sandy Griffin, a close family friend who was always there to help and support Maria; and Peterson Hospice, for their love, guidance, and support in helping navigate her journey home with peace and grace. Their compassionate care made Maria’s final days peaceful and beautiful, bringing great comfort to her family.

The family also extends its gratitude to Ade Gonzalez, Jose Romero, and Edgar Aguilar, who faithfully cared for Maria and her home in Hunt for many years. Their dedication, hard work, friendship, and willingness to help greatly enriched Maria's life.

Services & Memorials

A reception to honor Maria’s life will be held on Friday, September 18th, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Gathering Space & Terrace at Glenwood Cemetery (2525 Washington Avenue, Houston, Texas 77007). Prior to the reception, the family will gather for a private interment at Glenwood Cemetery. Valet parking will be provided.

A Celebration of Life will also be held in Hunt, Texas, in the early fall.

In lieu of customary remembrances, please consider making a donation in her honor to:

LJ Vineyard

3600 Fredericksburg Road

Kerrville, TX 78028