Marla Jenay Butler, affectionately known as "LaLa", was welcomed into this world by her parents, Daton and Peggy Williams Butler, on September 4, 1974, in Columbus, MS. She entered this world alongside her twin sister, Monica Jeannine Butler. Marla departed this world on Wednesday, December 17, 2025.

Marla attended New Hope High School and graduated in 1993 with honors. She matriculated at Mississippi State University, then later at Mississippi University for Women, graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. Marla migrated to Indianapolis, Indiana. She was employed at MacAllister Machinery, where she worked as a Finance Manager. Marla was respected for her dedication and strong work ethic.

Marla found joy in sports and was an avid basketball fan. She also played basketball and was a cheerleader in high school.

Marla accepted Jesus at an early age and was baptized at Providence Missionary Baptist Church. She was a member of Eastern Star Church in Indianapolis, IN, serving in the media ministry.

Though the void left by Marla's passing can never be filled, God has given us this promise: "For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout… and the dead in Christ shall rise first" (1 Thessalonian 4:16). With this blessed assurance, we find hope and comfort as we look forward to the second coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, when our long-awaited reunion will be ushered in.

Marla is preceded in death by her father, Daton Butler; brother, Fredrick Butler; and sister, Monica Butler.

Marla leaves to cherish her memories: her children, AnnDrea Butler, Chicago, IL, Anietra (Jamaal) Gray and Malcolm Pope of Indianapolis, IN; mother, Peggy Williams Butler and step mother, Classie (Daton) Butler of Columbus, MS; sisters, Vickey Butler Turner of Grand Prairie, TX, Lakesha Butler of Saltillo, MS, Alina Butler, Rhonda Ancrum of Atlanta, GA, and Jevonka Smith of Columbus, MS; nieces, Casandra Butler of Dallas, TX, Makayla Turner of Grand Prairie, TX, Symone Ancrum of Tacoma, WA and Kendall Moody of Columbus, MS; nephews, Justin Turner of Grand Prairie, TX, Lafayette Stephenson of Columbus, MS and Tyray Ancrum of Atlanta, GA; great-nephews, Jayln Butler of Grande Prairie, TX, Chayden Stephenson of Columbus, MS; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Carter's Funeral Services invites you to a scheduled livestream for the Celebration of Life for Ms. Marla J. Butler on Saturday, December 27, 2025

@ 11:00 A.M. CST

Link: https://www.youtube.com/live/2NHSi3ZkKIA?si=sDowHyQB5Zfbnwm1