Special bus service put on in tribute to 'one in a lifetime' granny

Hundreds of people gathered in Ipswich to say goodbye to a beloved “Caribbean Queen”. 

Violet May Butler was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother, known for her big heart and generous nature. She died on February 2, aged 95.

Mrs Butler arrived in the UK as part of the Windrush generation. Her husband, David, had joined Cranes of Ipswich in 1957, and saved up for four years for Violet to join him. 

She worked in the NHS after moving to Ipswich, starting work at the former Brook Street maternity home, where Karen was born. 

Among the congregation were friends and relatives from all over the world, with many travelling from as far as the Caribbean, Canada and United States.  

However, many of Violet’s Ipswich friends and family arrived on the dedicated bus service, which was driven by Ipswich Buses very own Brother Clement of Bethel Church. Violet’s faith was very important to her, and she was a regular member of Bethel Church, where she was baptised in 1987. 

Violet May Butler will be remembered not only by her family, but by the whole Ipswich community. 

She leaves behind six children, 13 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great-grandchildren.