Francine R. Butts

Francine Renee Butts, affectionately called Fran, passed away at age 73 peacefully on March 28, 2025 in Long Beach NY. She was born September 25, 1951 to the late Durward L. Ryan and Frances Smith Ryan, at Meadowbrook Hospital in East Meadow NY. The daughter of 4 children, Fran was the 2nd born. She spent her early years living in St. Albans Queens where she attended P.S. 36 Elementary School until the family moved to Far Rockaway. They ultimately relocated to Hempstead NY where Fran graduated in 1969 from Hempstead High School. Fran was a young mom, giving birth to her first son in her senior year of high school. She was an amazing teen mother. She later gave birth to her only girl, who she loved having as a sibling for her son. Several years later, she met and married Freddie Butts and of this union was born a son. Fran was a stay at home mom until she landed a job with the Playboy Club Restaurant in New York City. Fran loved this job, she met many of her favorite celebrities who came to dine. The organization decided to close its doors and as a result she was once again, a stay at home mom. She decided to go back to school where she obtained her associates degree in business administration. Several years passed, and as with most, life had its many ups and downs. She began rebuilding her life and a new career emerged. She embarked on a career in the banking industry where she excelled, holding her securities license and was a licensed life insurance representative registered in 10 states. Fran retired after 25 years of service as a Vice President with JP Morgan Chase Bank. Fran loved music, not only to listen to but also to sing, she had a beautiful soprano voice. She enjoyed attending her father’s gospel programs where he sang with the Gospel Elders. She also loved dancing. There were many barbecues at her house in the summer where the family would get together and play music and outside games. She loved her family and enjoyed entertaining. Fran gave her life to Christ in 1998 and later joined the Fountain of Life Church under the leadership of the Apostle Norman H. Lyons Jr. She attended the Fountain for several years and later relocated to Delaware in 2010. She joined and served in the Hope & Refuge Family Fellowship Church ministry in Elkton MD, where she would serve and minister to the homeless population. She decided to go back to New York as her health began to be challenged and lived with her son and his family and her daughter. Fran is survived by; her (son) Devin Ryan, (daughter-in-law) Jacky Ryan, (daughter) Alicia Ryan, (son) Fredrick Butts, (daughter-in-law) Melissa Butts. 6 grand children; Aiden,Ryder & Kash Ryan, Justin, Siena & Zachary Butts. She also leaves many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who will miss her greatly . Fran was predeceased by her father Durward, Mother Frances, sister Yvonne (Bonnie)Woolwine, brother Durward (Butch) Ryan. It’s so hard to say goodbye….

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