YOUNGSTOWN - Julia V. "Sweetie" Butler, 41, passed away unexpectedly Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, at her home.

Julia was born Oct. 30, 1984, in Opelika, Alabama, a daughter of John Lewis Butler and Sabrena Santha Butler-Grantling. She came to the Youngstown area as a child and made it her lifelong home.

She was a graduate of Chaney High School and attended Metro Assembly in Youngstown.

Sweetie will always be remembered for her joyful spirit and the way her laughter could fill a room. She brought light and love to everyone she met and cherished the time she spent surrounded by her large and close-knit family.

Julia is survived by her mother, Sabrena Butler-Grantling of Youngstown; her siblings, Amir Butler, Oleeka Butler, Shonda Owens, Lamar (Brittany) Butler, Daniel Butler, Jamie (Dan) Butler, and Hope Butler; her companion, Ron Rodgers, with whom she shared her home; and many nieces and nephews, including Serena and Kiya Butler, who were like sisters to her.

Family and friends may gather from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 10, 2025, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Road, Youngstown, for a celebration of Julia's life.

Sweetie's bright smile, kind heart, and joyful presence will be deeply missed but forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.