Mary Lou Butts Justen

A doting wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Mary Lou Butts Justen, 88, entered into the gates of Heaven on Thursday, July 14, 2022.

Born on January 5, 1934, Mary was the daughter of the late Irwin and Margaret Russell Butts. She was raised in Sidney, Nebraska, and attended Sidney High School. As fate would have it, Mary met her future husband, Bernard R. Justen, when his car broke down in her hometown. They married shortly after in 1950. A supportive military wife, Mary raised their five children as they moved all over the United States to include Hawaii; Kentucky; Atlanta, Georgia; and finally Texas, where Bernard retired. Sadly, in 1989, Bernard passed away. Mary then moved to Warner Robins to be closer to her family. She became active with the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Auxiliary and was known as the “Bingo Queen.” Most of all, Mary put her faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She attended Shirley Hills Baptist Church for 17 years, Mary was well-loved in the Ladies Sunday School Class. She was also crafty and made rugs; her artistry will be cherished for years to come.

In addition to her parents and husband, Mary was preceded in death by her children, Jay Edward Justen, JoAnn June Tucker, Robert Charles Justen, and Richard Justen; grandson, Timothy Tucker; and siblings, Doyle Butts, Erla Mae Thompson, and Roger Butts.

Her memory will forever be treasured by her son, Steven M. Justen (Paula) of Warner Robins; grandchildren, Stephanie Justen, Shelley Sanderson (James), Jonathan Tucker (Cindy), Greg Tucker (Shellie); granddaughter-in-law, Melissa Tucker; great-grandchildren, Sofia Sanderson and Lane, Cameron, Sylvia, Owen, Allyson, and Amelia Tucker; and brother, Larry Butts; as well as a host of extended family members and friends.

A memorial gathering will be Sunday, July 17, 2022, from 3:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. A memorial service will immediately follow in the chapel of McCullough Funeral Home at 4:00 p.m. Afterward, Mary will be laid to rest privately with her husband and other family members in Sidney, Nebraska.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests memorial donations be given in memory of Mary Lou Butts Justen to Heart of Georgia Hospice, 103 Westridge Drive, Warner Robins, Georgia 31088.

Learn about the measures McCullough Funeral Home is taking to ensure the health and safety of our guests at mcculloughfh.com. There you can also sign an Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.