DeRidder- Charlotte Smith Butler, age 70, of DeRidder, La. passed away in her home on Tuesday morning March 12, 2024, as a result of complications from sarcoidosis of the lungs.  She was born Dec. 22, 1953, in DeRidder, La. to the late Warren Wesley and Ann Morel Smith.  

Charlotte is survived by her two sons, Joseph Warren Butler and David John Butler of DeRidder, La.; her ex-husband, James Butler of Clarksville, Ind.; stepmother, Lilly Ford Smith; stepbrother, Ike Stewart; his wife, Erin Chesnutt; step-nephew, Ryan Stewart, all from DeRidder, La., along with numerous cousins, and her loving cat, Shiloh. 

Charlotte grew up in DeRidder and attended the University of Southern Louisiana for her undergraduate degree in psychology subsequently obtaining a master’s degree in Social Work at Louisiana State University.  

She had a fulfilling and rewarding career as a Clinical Social Worker, spending 23 years at The Psychology Clinic and another 13 as mental health provider at Ft. Johnson military hospital. These opportunities allowed her to work in hospitals, family courts, schools as well as her clinical experiences. She retired in 2020, primarily due to her illness and the threat of COVID exposure. She found a way to continue doing the work she loved through an online mental health service provider.  

Several accomplishments were acquired though her passions. She served two years as the President of the Louisiana Family Mediation Council, both for Lake Charles and the State of Louisiana. She enjoyed promoting and training family mediation workers. Her passion for children led her to become a Registered Play Therapy Supervisor, expanding her skills to serve others. She has been a member of Woodland Hills Church in Minneapolis, Minn. for over 10 years. She was able to attend in person only once as she attended mostly by streaming services. This connection held great meaning and purpose for her in her last years. 

Her favorite activities were photography, quilting, watching old movies, reading, and listening to music.  She loved spending time with family and friends and could always be counted on as a kind, thoughtful, and compassionate listener. 

Charlotte was a very spiritual person, and her favorite quote was by Huston Smith, “If we take the world’s enduring religions at their best we find the distilled wisdom of the human race.”

Memorial service will be Saturday, March 16, at 10 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall of the First United Methodist Church, DeRidder, La., 403 Port St.  Family and friend visitation at 9 a.m. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Doctors Without Borders.