Shirley Brown Butler, Founder Of Butler's Orchard, Dies At 91

GERMANTOWN, MD — Shirley Brown Butler, who helped start Butler's Orchard in Germantown, has died at age 91.

News of her death was first reported by WTOP. She passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by family on Thursday, Sept. 10, Butler's Orchard confirmed.

Butler was born on Dec. 20, 1928 in Washington, D.C. to Hylton and Rosina Brown. The youngest of three children, Butler grew up in Silver Spring and attended Montgomery Blair High School. She received her bachelor's degree in mathematics at Pennsylvania State University and then worked at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab, according to her obituary.

She married George H. Butler, Jr. in 1950, and together they purchased 37 acres and an 1850s-era log house in Germantown — thus the start of Butler's Orchard, which became famous for its picking fields.

Butler's Orchard, located at 22222 Davis Mill Rd., is now in its 70th year and has expanded to more than 300 acres.

"Shirley had a true passion for Butler's Orchard and never really retired. The business represented her love for growing fruit, flowers, and vegetables, as well as nurturing young people — often giving them their first job in life," Butler's Orchard said in a statement. "She and George were a force for good for so many. Shirley, the proud matriarch, was amazed and delighted by the growth and expansion of the business and the family."

Shirley was predeceased by her husband George in 2000 and her son Todd in 2010. She is survived by her two other children, Wade and Susan, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A memorial service will be held at Butler's Orchard once gatherings are permitted.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

• Guide Dog Foundation — 371 East Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown, NY 11787-2976
• WETA Public TV and Public Radio