Carla Justine Snow, 86, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2026. Born January 6, 1940, in Charleroi, PA, Carla was the beloved first-born child of the late Benjamin E. Butler, Jr. and Christella M. Butler. She was raised as the oldest of seven siblings in a small close-knit family, whose lives were rooted in faith, resilience, and community. At an early age, Carla displayed artistic talents, scripting, calligraphy, writing poetry, singing and playing the piano. Carla graduated from Bellmar High School (now Belle Vernon Area HS) with the Class of 1958. She left Belle Vernon sometime after high school, pursuing a career in Cosmetology and receiving a Diploma from The Mary Alice School of Beauty Culture in Chicago, IL in 1964. Carla went on to become a registered Beauty Culturist in the State of Illinois.
Raised in Antioch Baptist Church, Carla devoutly served God, maintaining a tremendous Christian faith. Over the years she worshipped and served with several faith-filled congregations including Soul Saving Station of Harlem, NY, Greater Pittsburgh Christian Temple, Covenant Church of Pittsburgh, and the Jewish Community Center of Squirrel Hill. Known for her selfless service, generosity, wisdom, caring spirit, and devotion to those she loved. Following the passing of her sister, Saundra Butler, she embraced and cared for her two children, Mayumi and Benjamin Nakamura, as her own, and her nurturing spirit left an indelible mark on their lives and to those who knew her.
In addition to her parents, Carla was preceded in death by her grandmother, Carrie Walker; two sisters, Saundra Butler and Pastor Jackie Butler; one brother, Glenn Edward Butler Sr.; and two nephews, Vaughn E. Hewitt and Glenn Butler, Jr.
Carla leaves to cherish her memory her God Given Children, Mayumi and Benjamin Nakamura, Sr.(Danielle); grandchildren, Aja, Aiko, Benjamin Jr., and Colette Colston; brothers, Benjamin W. Butler Sr. (Bernice) of North Braddock and Michael L. Butler of Belle Vernon; sister, Rozalind Butler-Watkins of North Carolina; nephews and niece, Benjamin W. Butler Jr. (Zachery, Aryana, Tres), Bryce R. Butler, and Brenda L. Crosby (Robert, children - Jordan, Aaron, Zoe); special friends: Lisa Hall, Lucretia Elson, Connie Spearman, Pam & Clarence Grant; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, church family, community, and dear friends.
Carla's life was dedicated to ministry, she exuded genuine love and dedication to the Lord. She will be remembered as a champion for salvation through Jesus Christ. Her legacy of witnessing for Jesus lives on through the lives she touched, and the faith she carried throughout her ministry. Though she departed from this earthly life, her memory will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. 2 Chronicles 7:14 "Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land."
Viewing: 9:30 - !0:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2026, followed with funeral service at Antioch Baptist Church, 945 Henry Street, Belle Vernon, Eulogy, Benjamin T. Nakamura Sr., Interment in Belle Vernon Cemetery.
Price: $2.00
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