Bil Sullivan Jones Butner, age 91, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2025. Bil was born on March 10, 1934, in Gary, Texas, to David & Bertie Sullivan. She attended Kilgore College 1952-54, where she was a proud Rangerette and a lifelong member of Rangerettes Forever. She then graduated from the University of Houston in 1956 with a degree in Radio, Television, and Film where notably she was host of the Houston Today TV show for two years on KUHT-TV.
In 1960, Bil married her first love, Jerry Casey Jones, and together they had two children, Whitney and Cameron. She endured great loss with the passing of her daughter, Whitney in 1984 and her husband, Casey in 1985. In 1990, she found love again and married Bill Butner, gaining two stepsons, Greg and Chris.
A dedicated community servant, Bil contributed her time and talents to numerous causes in Fort Worth. She Chaired the Fundraising Committee for the Fort Worth Opera (1987–1994) and served as Chairman of the Board 0f Family Services (1989–1990). She also volunteered with the Tarrant County Hospital District, Cook Children’s Health Care System, and many other local organizations.
Most importantly, Bil’s deep faith in Christ guided her life. She was a devoted member of Christ Chapel Bible Church, where she volunteered on the New Sanctuary Committee.
Bil was the consummate host, masterful storyteller, prolific poet, expert decorator, and exceptional cook. Her warmth and hospitality were legendary and deeply felt by all who knew her.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Bill Butner; her son, Cameron Jones and his wife, Venita; stepchildren, Greg Butner and his wife, Julie, and Christopher Butner his wife, Annette; grandchildren, Riley Morgan, Taylor Morgan his wife, Hillary, Casey Jones and his wife, Brianna Jones, Katherine Jones, Christopher Butner, Anderson Butner; and great grandchildren, Theodore Jones and Elijah Jones. She, “Mama Bil”, is also survived by Gabriel Atem Wal, one of the Lost Boys of the Sudan, who she considered one of her own.
Bil will be remembered with love and admiration—as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, mother-in-law, and loyal friend to many. Her life was a beautiful testimony of grace, service, faith, and joy.
Family and friends will gather from 5 to 7 pm Wednesday, August 6, in the Great Room at Harper & Lucas, formerly Robertson Mueller Harper. A Celebration of Her life will be held at 11:30 am Thursday, August 7, at Christ Chapel Bible Church, 3701 Birchman Ave., Fort Worth, with a reception lunch to follow in the church’s Oak Room.
In lieu of flowers, you can give memorials to www.gabrielspromise.com by typing Bil’s name in the special instruction area of the site or mail a check made out to Gabriel’s Promise, 1813 Ems Road East, Fort Worth, TX 76107.
Great Room at Harper & Lucas
Chapel at Christ Chapel Bible Church
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