3
trees
planted in memory of Helen Butler Conger
Obituary for Helen Butler Conger
Helen Martin Butler Conger passed away peacefully June 12, 2025 at the home of her daughter in
Havana, Florida. Helen was born in Quincy, Florida to Lamar and Rachael Martin. Unfortunately, her
father died when Helen was five years old and she and her sister, Jean, were raised by their mother,
who became a beloved teacher in the Quincy School System.
Helen graduated from Gadsden High School and attended Florida State University where she was a
member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority and was tapped by the Cotillion Club. Her love of dancing
persisted throughout her lifetime, often saying it was one of the biggest joys of her life.
In 1953 Helen married Pat Butler of Havana and the couple lived there for 17 years. During that time
Pat grew tobacco at the family farm and Helen taught Sunday School, was a den mother in the Cub
Scout troop, enjoyed golfing, playing bridge and participated with the family in the founding and
building of the Havana Golf and Country Club, maintaining a charter membership for many years.
For three years she operated a private kindergarten in her home.
With the demise of the tobacco industry, the family moved to Tallahassee, where Helen worked at
Florida State University for a few years, and later began a career with the State Department of Health
& Rehabilitative Services (reorganized into the Agency for Health Care Administration) where she
served for over twenty years, retiring in 1994. During this period Helen lost her beloved husband, Pat
after thirty-three years of marriage and was alone for the next eleven years.
In 1997 while attending an art class in the FSU Program for Seniors, her path crossed with that of an
old friend and co-worker, Jerome Conger, and they were married later that year. Helen and Jerry
enjoyed almost 22 happy years together playing bridge and travelling extensively in the states and
internationally before his passing in 2019.
Helen enjoyed playing the piano, reading, sewing, playing bridge and entertaining friends and family
as long as she was able. She loved the Seminoles, attending football games for sixty years; was a
member of the Democratic Club of North Florida; is an inactive member of Chapter BA, PEO, having
served in almost every office including President in the chapter; and was a member of Caroline
Brevard Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. Prior to the pandemic she served as mentor
at Kate Sullivan Elementary, first grade and kindergarten.
She was predeceased by her parents, her sister Jean Barus, brother-in-law Charles Barus, brother-
in-law Don Butler, sister-in-law Mary Ann Warner, brother-in-law Jimmy Warner, nephews Mike Butler
and Robert Barus, and stepson Daniel Conger. She is survived by her children, Pat Butler, Jr., (Lori),
Beth Morgan (Frank) and Ginny Bradley (Chris Myers), Jerry’s children Victor Hansen (Marie), David
Conger (Debi) and daughter in law Sue Conger. She is also survived by grandchildren Scott Butler
(Jennifer Norman), Melanie Hooley (Mike), Corey Butler (Amber), Charles King (Sabrina Spivey),
Amy Rabon (Jonathan, deceased), Meghan Kirkley (Jarrod), 14 great grandchildren and 1 great-great
grandchild.
Funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at Salem Methodist Church,
Havana, FL. Family will receive friends an hour prior to the service.
Charles McClellan Funeral Home, Quincy, Fl will be assisting the family with the arrangements. (850)
627-7677.
To plant a tree in memory of Helen Butler Conger, visit the Tribute Store.
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