Audrey B. Butler Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established by Jackie and Eddie White and Larry Butler in memory of Audrey Billups Butler. This remarkable woman was born to Mary Lee Luter and Joseph Lang Billups. She graduated from Ivor High School and was in the first graduation class in 1952 from Louise Obici School of Nursing. She was the Administrator of Nansemond Rehabilitation Center and Hillcrest Retirement Center for 35 years.

There are so many stories of her sacrifice and caring nature. In 1976 the Swine Flu was running rampant in the country; the virus made people violently ill.  Audrey set up a protocol with all the patients and staff at the nursing and was watching each one for any sign of the flu, starting and giving IV’s to those in need. She made the decision to lock down the nursing home to all visitors and non-essential employees for two weeks.  No one from corporate or the state told her to do so.  Families were upset as you can imagine, but they had confidence in Audrey Butler and her staff and knew that she was doing the right thing for their family member. They didn’t lose one patient during that time.  Not one.

Audrey was married to Levie Leslie “Jack” Butler, Jr., and is survived by her daughter Jackie Butler White and husband Eddie; son Larry J. Butler; grandsons Charles E. White III and Jack Robert Butler; granddaughters Lindsey Elizabeth White, Grace Elizabeth Butler, and Megan Audrey Butler; Kathleen Butler mother of Jack, Grace and Megan; nephew Daryl Billups and wife Kim, Douglas Billups and wife Leisa; great nephews Tyler and Cody Billups and great niece Samantha and Jenna Billups.

Scholarship Criteria

To be eligible for this scholarship, the applicant must:

• Be a resident of Suffolk, Franklin, Isle of Wight County, or Southampton County, Virginia.
• Be a graduating senior from a public, private, or home school in Suffolk, Franklin, Isle of Wight, or Southampton, OR be a college student from that area, currently enrolled in a college nursing program.
• Plan to enroll (or continue enrollment) in a college nursing program in the fall.
• Plan to pursue an LPN or RN credential after college. Preference may be given to students aspiring for RN credentials.
• Have participated in school and/or community activities, or have held a job.
• Have a cumulative weighted GPA of 3.5 or better.

Awardees

2024: Natalie Gonzalez-Espinal, King’s Fork High School
2023: Zoe Cacanindin, Nansemond River High School
2022: Maryam Mumuni, Norfolk State University
2021: Madison Lilly, Southampton High School