Family and friends honor pioneering Black politician Mable Butler at memorial service

Family and friends gathered tonight to honor Mable Butler, a pioneering figure in Central Florida politics, who passed away earlier this month at 98.

Mable Butler was the first Black woman to serve on the Orlando City Council and the first Black individual to serve on the Orange County Commission.

Many people celebrated her contributions to the community, among them Mayor Jerry Demings, who recognized her role in paving the way for future leaders.

“Mayor Dyer and my family have been employees of the city of Orlando for decades, we appreciate what the city of Orlando and the police department did for us but it couldn’t be possible without real civil rights leaders and fighters like Mable Butler,” said Mayor Jerry Demings.

Mable Butler’s funeral is scheduled for 11 AM on Saturday at the Cathedral Church of St. Luke.

Her legacy still motivates her successors, having broken barriers and paved the way for many in politics.

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