Eva Joe Cabell-Butler-Allison

With grateful hearts for a life well lived and unwavering faith in God's promises, we celebrate the life of Eva Joe Cabell-Butler-Allison, who peacefully transitioned from earth to eternity on June 19, 2026, at the age of 94.

Eva Joe was born on January 27, 1932, in Newburgh, Indiana, to the late Otho and Allibee (McGuire) Cabell. God blessed Otho and Allibee with fifteen children, and Eva Joe was the youngest—the beloved baby of the family. Her father worked as a coal miner and entrepreneur, while her mother lovingly cared for their home and family. She was named after local Newburgh business owners, Eva and Joe Jones.

Eva Joe received her education at the Newburgh Colored School in Newburgh, Indiana, and later attended Lincoln High School in Evansville, Indiana.

At a young age, Eva Joe accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. She was baptized by Rev. Clarence Gracey and joined Little Zion Baptist Church in Newburgh at the age of eight. When her family relocated to Evansville, she united with Zion Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. J. M. Caldwell. She remained a faithful and devoted servant there for 84 years.

Throughout her life, Eva Joe demonstrated her love for God through service. She faithfully served on the Mother's Board and was an active participant in Sunday School, the Women's Mission, and the Choir. She served as a Women's Day Captain, volunteered in the Food Pantry, hosted Breast Cancer Awareness Sunday programs, and supported the ministry of Zion in every way she could.

Beyond the church walls, Eva Joe was actively involved in her community. She was a member of The Witness Project, the Lincoln Clark Douglas Alumni Association, and the Evansville African American Museum. As a breast cancer survivor, she proudly supported the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and encouraged others through her testimony of faith and perseverance.

Eva Joe found joy in the simple blessings of life. She loved reading her Bible, tending to her flowers, cooking delicious meals, singing songs of praise, listening to good music, and keeping her home colorful, welcoming, and neat. Her favorite colors were red, pink, and purple, and she especially loved roses, mums, and daisies. She possessed a generous spirit and found great joy in helping others whenever she could.

The Word of God was her foundation and guide. While she treasured all of Scripture, some of her favorite passages were Genesis 1, Psalm 23, Psalm 37, and Jeremiah 17:7. Her faith was evident in the way she lived, loved, served, and encouraged those around her.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her fourteen siblings; her husbands, Curtis Allison and Louis Jackson Butler; her daughter, Gwendolyn Gard; and her sons, Floyd Butler, Lakelver Butler, Michael Bayham, and Gregory Butler.

Eva Joe leaves to cherish her precious memory her children: Linda J. Williams (Leroy), Mary Beth Bailey (Arthur), Ginger Y. Milan (Alvert), Lionel L. Butler (Jane), and Lonnie Butler; 29 grandchildren; 43 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, church family, and friends.

Her life was a testament to God's faithfulness, and her legacy of love, service, generosity, and unwavering faith will continue to inspire generations to come. 

~Thank you, Mama~