Obituary for Lillian Butner
Lillian Butner, Montclair Native, CBS Television Gem, Dies at 96, After Lengthy Battle with Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
On December 3, 2021, Lillian transitioned into a heavenly, loving place to join many of her family who preceded her.
Lillian Hamilton Butner, also known as Lilly Rose or Aunt Lil, was born to Clarence and Amanda Hamilton on February 12, 1925 in Montclair, NJ. She was the youngest of six children.
In Lillian’s earlier years, she attended and graduated from the Montclair Public School System.
Shortly after graduating, Lillian met and married Sergeant Walter “Fred” Smith. Together, they enjoyed traveling throughout Europe and especially residing in France.
Upon returning to the United States, still a very young woman, Lillian was quickly hired by CBS Television Studios in New York City as an assistant helper behind the scenes. Lillian’s hard work, impeccable appearance, poise and determination, gained her recognition. She went on to become the Head Wardrobe Supervisor at CBS.
There, she remained for 45 ½ years until her retirement on July 1, 1993.
During her tenure at CBS, Lillian was assigned the task of providing one-to-one assistance to some of the top world-famous television and musical personalities.
Lillian worked for many years with the cast from numerous soap operas (i.e., As the World Turns, Guiding Light, One Life to Live, General Hospital, etc.). In addition, she also worked behind the scenes for numerous television shows, including Captain Kangaroo, various News programs, musical specials, telethons, and more.
Over the years, Lillian has received high accolades and awards from both CBS and the individual celebrities. Remaining, is a beautiful collection of signed thank you cards and photos from famous celebrities and legends such as: Louis Armstrong, Jimmy Durante, Pearl Bailey, Billie Holiday, Dan Rather, Nat King Cole, Leana Horne, Eartha Kitt, Jerry Lewis, Geraldo Rivera, Harry Belafonte and many others.
Lillian was later remarried to William “Bill” Butner and lived happily in East Orange, New Jersey with their dog Boots, until Bill’s passing. After his passing, she moved back to her hometown of Montclair, where she resided until her death.
Lillian will always be remembered for being a class act. Throughout the years following her retirement from CBS, Lillian continued to lavish herself in the very best quality fashions and ALWAYS looked good as she told of her glory days at CBS surrounded by the stars. She loved every bit of attention she got.
Lillian mostly enjoyed casinos, telling jokes, and having a ‘drinky-poo’ with Johnny Walker Black, partying at the Lounge, and gathering with friends.
Her favorite saying was, “From your mouth to God’s ears.”
Lillian’s last days have been tearfully difficult, but she is at peace now.
Lillian is survived by and will always be remembered by the many that loved, admired and respected her. She leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, family, friends, colleagues, neighbors and acquaintances.
The family would like to thank everyone for caring, showing support, and all that they did.
On December 3, 2021, Lillian transitioned into a heavenly, loving place to join many of her family who preceded her.
Lillian Hamilton Butner, also known as Lilly Rose or Aunt Lil, was born to Clarence and Amanda Hamilton on February 12, 1925 in Montclair, NJ. She was the youngest of six children.
In Lillian’s earlier years, she attended and graduated from the Montclair Public School System.
Shortly after graduating, Lillian met and married Sergeant Walter “Fred” Smith. Together, they enjoyed traveling throughout Europe and especially residing in France.
Upon returning to the United States, still a very young woman, Lillian was quickly hired by CBS Television Studios in New York City as an assistant helper behind the scenes. Lillian’s hard work, impeccable appearance, poise and determination, gained her recognition. She went on to become the Head Wardrobe Supervisor at CBS.
There, she remained for 45 ½ years until her retirement on July 1, 1993.
During her tenure at CBS, Lillian was assigned the task of providing one-to-one assistance to some of the top world-famous television and musical personalities.
Lillian worked for many years with the cast from numerous soap operas (i.e., As the World Turns, Guiding Light, One Life to Live, General Hospital, etc.). In addition, she also worked behind the scenes for numerous television shows, including Captain Kangaroo, various News programs, musical specials, telethons, and more.
Over the years, Lillian has received high accolades and awards from both CBS and the individual celebrities. Remaining, is a beautiful collection of signed thank you cards and photos from famous celebrities and legends such as: Louis Armstrong, Jimmy Durante, Pearl Bailey, Billie Holiday, Dan Rather, Nat King Cole, Leana Horne, Eartha Kitt, Jerry Lewis, Geraldo Rivera, Harry Belafonte and many others.
Lillian was later remarried to William “Bill” Butner and lived happily in East Orange, New Jersey with their dog Boots, until Bill’s passing. After his passing, she moved back to her hometown of Montclair, where she resided until her death.
Lillian will always be remembered for being a class act. Throughout the years following her retirement from CBS, Lillian continued to lavish herself in the very best quality fashions and ALWAYS looked good as she told of her glory days at CBS surrounded by the stars. She loved every bit of attention she got.
Lillian mostly enjoyed casinos, telling jokes, and having a ‘drinky-poo’ with Johnny Walker Black, partying at the Lounge, and gathering with friends.
Her favorite saying was, “From your mouth to God’s ears.”
Lillian’s last days have been tearfully difficult, but she is at peace now.
Lillian is survived by and will always be remembered by the many that loved, admired and respected her. She leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, family, friends, colleagues, neighbors and acquaintances.
The family would like to thank everyone for caring, showing support, and all that they did.