Mrs. Beverley "Bunny" Butler Hope

I, Bunny Hope, Age 92, passed away peacefully on November 26, 2023, surrounded by family. I was born to Anna Turner Butler and John Charles Butler on December 27, 1930 in Spartanburg, SC. We moved to Columbia, SC when I was 2. I attended Schneider Elementary and Hand Junior High School. At Hand, I was chosen as President of my freshman class. I graduated Dreher High School where I was a Cheerleader and Dreher’s first Homecoming Queen. I married the late Stuart C. Hope in 1953. Over the years, I had various interests including volunteering at the Richland County Election Commission and Richland Memorial Hospital as a Pink Lady delivering mail to patients. I worked for numerous political campaigns and was a legislative aide to several State House representatives. I served on the Foster Care Review Board and later ran for the House of Representatives from my district but was beat. I opened and closed several businesses including the Door of Hope which was a listing service for discontinued china & silver. When I lived on Hilton Head Island for 3 years I opened a business there with a friend which stocked villa rentals for incoming guests. I was a member of the Gay Gardener’s Garden Club and my husband and I were one of the founding members of St. Michaels and All Angels Church where I taught Sunday school and chaired the first Christmas bazaar. I later moved to St. Martin’s In the Fields Episcopal Church. I am survived by my children, Marion Brown “Bubba” Hope (Judy Seawright), Stuart Cromer Hope, Jr. (Heidi Darr), and Mena Ann Gardiner (David Gardiner); grandchildren, Shannon Hope (Gretchen) & Erin Hope Marino (Steve), Parks (Averie) & Alex Gardiner, Graham Hope; great-grandchildren, Wyatt and Reese Hope, Enzo, Marcelo, and Luca Marino; nieces, Holly Gross & Brooke Butler. In addition to my parents, I was predeceased by my sister, Ann Butler Stish and brother, John C. Butler. I, Bunny Butler Hope, wrote this obituary as I wanted all who read it to know I wasn’t just resting on my laurels; I led a busy life. Some do not like to read long obits, but I like to, so be it. A note from the family: She was affectionately known as “Hurricane Hazel´. If you knew her, you would most certainly understand why. Mom (Bunny) was one of those rare individuals that would tell you exactly how she felt. She never talked in “code”. She was fearless in her life & fearless in standing up for what she believed, right or wrong. She was a loving, generous mother, grandmother, & great grandmother. When her grandchildren were in high school, they could often be found at Granny’s house for lunch or breakfast usually bringing their friends. They liked being around her. She was real. A very special thanks to Mary McFadden for her compassion, patience, sense of humour and love while walking side by side with Bunny on her path home. Also, much gratitude to Daybreak Adult Care for their professional staffing and prompt attention to detail. A Memorial Service for Bunny will be held at 2 o’clock on Thursday, November 30th, at St Martin’s in the Field Episcopal Church, 5220 Clemson Ave, Columbia, SC. Interment will follow at the church. The family will receive friends immediately following at Forest Lake Country Club, 340 Country Club Drive, Columbia, SC, to celebrate her life. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, donations, may be made to Oliver Gospel Mission, PO Box 7697, Columbia, SC 29202.

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Mrs. Beverley "Bunny" Butler Hope

December 27, 1930 - November 26, 2023