Ceolices Butts

Obituary
Ceolices (“Big C”) Butts was born on June 1, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan to the union of
the late Cynthia Verline and Leo Butts. He was the 2nd eldest of 6 children: Marvis,
Isaac, Eldon, and Clarence who proceeded him in death and survived by his younger
sister, Elaine.
Early in life, Ceolices was baptized and accepted Christ into his heart while receiving his
formal education at St. Benedict Catholic School. Later, he continued his education at
Highland Park Schools. His love of sports led to joining Highland Park High School’s
track and field team.
In his early career, Ceolices served thirty years at Wayne County Road Commission and
retired. Concurrently, he served twenty years at the Detroit Police Department.
Afterwards, he started and operated Sedera Securities for fifteen years until retirement.
Big C was more than the life of the party; he was the party! He was this force that
everyone gravitated towards instantly. He was a guiding light that filled you with warmth
and security. Big C inspired “Greatness in Action”. He instilled the drive to succeed. He
exuded confidence that ignited the desire to do the same. He was never lacking. Joyous
laughter always followed him.
Ceolices was very passionate about many pastimes. He had a plethora of hobbies:
barbequing, cooking, camping, and fishing. He enjoyed music and played the saxophone.
Ceolices especially liked to hunt and go skeet shooting. He was a collector of outdoor
magazines and rifles.
While he possessed many hobbies, he found the greatest joy in his family. Family
became the cornerstone of his existence.
Ceolices met and married his wife of thirty years, Jacqueline Butts, who remained his
soul mate until that final hour.
Ceolices departed this life on July 4th, 2021 at his home in Highland Park. He leaves to
cherish his memory, his loving and devoted wife, Jacqueline; six children: Kimberly
(George), Cynthia (Bennie), Jarees, Ceolices (Myesha), Sedera (preceded in death), and
Jacquell; five grandchildren: Ashawnna, Gabrielle, Kyle, Elizabeth, and Malachi; one
sister-in-law: Marie Butts (Marvis); a dear cousin Pat Henderson (Algeniod preceded in
death); and a host of nieces, nephews, close family, neighbors, former co-workers, and
special friends.