When you arrive at work each morning, do you feel unconditionally loved, needed and wanted?

I’ll bet most of you don’t, but Jeanette Butler does.

At the young age of 72, when most of us are retired, she doesn’t even think about it.

“These kids are angels,” Butler said. “I love them and they love me. I don’t know what I would do without them.”

Butler worked as a teacher’s aide for 24 years, took and early retirement, got a little bored and began to substitute teach in special education at the Linda Nolen Center, and now she has 35 years with the school system.

The children Butler teaches call her “Ma,” and they must have severe disabilities and be Shelby County residents to be enrolled.

Butler teaches everything from music and art to library reading and greenhouse.

Those who are physically able are allowed to plant flowers and make stepping stones.

Born to Tom and Grace Posey in 1936, Butler was the first child of nine (six boys and three girls).

During World War II, the family spent a short time in Mobile, but have been known in Shelby County as good hard-working folks for many years.

Butler was married to David Butler for 51 years before his death in May 2005. The Butlers built their own home on Smokey Road and had two daughters, Kay and Dawn. Kay and Dawn grew up athletic and with a teaching desire. Butler now has five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Jeanette Posey Butler has know hardships, heartaches and love. She has a great attitude and credits God with her strength. She is someone we can all be proud to know.

Sandra Thames can be reached by e–mail at bobthames1942@yahoo.com.