It is with sympathy, the management and staff of Slater's Funeral Home, Inc. announce the passing of Ms. Latasha Butts, Milledgeville, Georgia. Ms. Butts passed away on Monday, October 23, 2023.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at 11:00 AM from the Baldwin High School Gymnasium, Milledgeville, Georgia. Interment to follow from the Scenic Memorial Gardens, Milledgeville, Georgia. The service will be live streamed. Please click on the link below. She is survived by her loving family and friends. 

God gives his toughest battles to His toughest people.”
 

On October 23, 2023, the Baldwin High Bravette No. 23, Latasha Rena Butts, passed away at her home, surrounded by family, after a courageous fight with advanced-stage breast cancer. Many will miss her bright smile, passion, and deep sense of faith and integrity, but her “Tasha Tough” spirit lives on forever.

Affectionately known as “Tasha,” she was born on March 10, 1982, in Milledgeville, Ga., to the parentage of Evelyn and Spencer Butts, Sr. Even at a young age, her light shined bright, and she demonstrated perseverance, passion, and purpose.

She never allowed her beginnings in a small town to diminish her big dreams. Always proud of home, she counted it as a solid foundation that allowed her to model the greatness that was possible with hard work, intention, and discipline. She first fell in love with the game of basketball at age six.

Her talent was evident from the start, and by the time she graduated in 2000, she was named a consensus All-American and awarded the Georgia Gatorade Player of the Year. Tasha remains the all-time leading scorer for the Baldwin High Bravettes, and the school retired her jersey in December 2000.

Tasha's path led her to the University of Tennessee, where she found much success as a Lady Vol. While there, she contributed to four regular season SEC Championship teams, three Final Fours, and two National Championship games. As a senior, she earned second-team All-Southeastern Conference honors. She reached a pivotal moment in her career when, in 2004, the Minnesota Lynx selected her 20th overall in the WNBA draft. She also played with the Charlotte Sting and Houston Comets of the WNBA as well as Essa/Barreiro in Portugal and Raanana Hertizliya in Israel. In celebration of her many achievements, the city of Milledgeville recognized her with a proclamation of “Tasha Butts Day” and honored her with a key to the city in August 2004.

Her coaching career was an extension of her passion for basketball, mentorship, and making a positive difference in the lives of others. She got her coaching start as a graduate assistant with Path Summit at her alma mater. From Duquesne University, UCLA, and Louisiana State University to Georgia Tech, Tasha left an indelible mark on the teams she served. She was named the head coach of the Georgetown Hoyas, fulfilling a longtime dream. Even during her short tenure, she brought energy, excitement and a “we before me” mentality to the Hilltop. Each role was a testament to her dedication and unwavering commitment to the game she loved and the relationships she cultivated.

Tasha's long list of accolades and awards reflects her quest for success on and off the court. For her, basketball was a way of life, and coaching was a calling. She inspired countless players, mentees, colleagues, and friends with her vision and vast wisdom. Tasha possessed a special way of raising the standard wherever she went. Even as she faced one of her toughest battles with a diagnosis of breast cancer, not only did she show tremendous strength and faith, but she inspired others with her courage and determination to help others. Through the Tasha Tough campaign, she raised awareness about breast cancer and spurred a partnership with Georgia Tech women's basketball and The Kay Yow Cancer Fund to support underserved women facing cancer.

Tasha was a woman of incredible faith. For her, family was everything. Not only was she an amazing daughter and sister, but she was also a super Auntie to her nephew Marquis, always aiming to inspire and show him and others what was possible.

Tasha leaves behind a treasured gift—memories of her kindness, laughter, and love. Those closest to her, including her parents, Evelyn and Spencer Butts, Sr., sister Denise Whipple of Atlanta, GA, brother Spencer (Brenda) Butts, Jr. of Milledgeville, GA, and the joy of her life, nephew Marquis Butts will forever hold these memories close. She also leaves to cherish precious moments six uncles: Earl (Edna) Butts, Sr., Wayne (Erica) Butts, Sr., Bruce (Angela) Butts, Henry Lee Williams, and Carlton (Georgia) Freeman, Sr., all of Milledgeville, GA, Michael Butts of California and Gary Butts of Washington D.C; ten aunts: Barbara Scott, Wanda Butts, Bernasta (Harold) Waller, Edna (Melvin) Adams, Sheryl (Andrew) Scott, Valerie Freeman and Carlette Davis all of Milledgeville, GA, Kathleen Freeman of Warner Robins, GA, Korchita Harris of Eatonton, GA, and Mary (Sam) McIntosh of Raleigh, NC; and a host of dear cousins, colleagues, and friends.

***In lieu of flowers, the family ask for donations to be made to the Latasha Rena Butts Foundation at Truist Bank located at 150 W. Greene Street; Milledgeville, Georgia 31061. ***

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