Margaret Michael Butts

Margaret “Maggie” Butts

August 21, 1942 – December 1, 2025

Margaret “Maggie” Michael Butts, 83, of Bowie, Maryland, passed away peacefully in her home on December 1, 2025. Born Margaret Michael Moran on August 21, 1942 in Washington, DC to the late Alvin Conrad Moran and Mary Ellen (Smith) Moran. She lived a life filled with music, laughter, and love for her family.

Maggie was a true melophile whose passion for harmony shaped much of her life.  She was an active and accomplished member of Sweet Adelines, competing in numerous competitions as both a performer with Harbor City Music Company and director of The Arundelaires chorus.  Most notably, she sang bass with the barbershop quartet Capri, which reached as high as third place in the international competition. She was also a member of the band Git, Gut, and Us, where she performed alongside her husband of 50+ years. Additionally, Maggie played a remarkable range of instruments including piano, guitar, banjo, ukulele, and even the theremin. Whether on stage, directing others, or simply harmonizing to commercials on the radio, she had a spark and je ne sais quoi that were impossible to ignore.

Maggie was equally known for her wonderful and quirky sense of humor. She had a special love for gag gifts, particularly anything involving a rubber chicken, and she could often be found laughing so hard she was in tears. She always made time for her family, where she made everyone feel special, beautiful, and talented. Her laughter was infectious, her smile unforgettable, and her voice was music to everyone's ears.

For 30 years, she was the sole-proprietor of a framing company called “Hangups Custom Framing.” Perhaps you’ve seen her work on walls all over Prince George’s County!

Maggie is preceded in death by her brother Jack Moran and sister Mary Ellen “Patsy” Fraber, and is survived by her beloved husband, Wes Butts; her children Janet (Darin) Lilley Ford, Michael (Lori) Lilley, and Rusty (Kathy) Lilley; her grandchildren Kelly, Jill, Michael, Kyle, Brennan, Brian, and Megan; and her great-grandchildren Jonathan, Elle, Liv, Braden, and Brooks.

Join us for a Reception and Celebration of Life filled with tears, laughter, and a whole lot of music on Friday, December 19, 2025 at Beall Funeral Home in Bowie, Maryland from 2:00pm – 5:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial gift to Sweet Adelines International at https://sweetadelines.com/give/memorial