James Paul and Patricia Jean Taylor Butler of Athens celebrated their 50th anniversary Dec. 18 in the Fellowship Hall in Blackburn Road Baptist Church in Athens. The celebration was hosted by their children and grandchildren.

They have four children, Joel Butler and wife Jennifer of Decatur and Daniel Butler, Becky Whitt and husband Andy  and Mark Butler and wife Dana, all of Athens. Their 11 grandchildren are, Joshua Butler of Florence, Jordan Butler of Athens, Shea Butler of Cullman, Haley Butler, Jay Butler  and Lacy Beth Butler, all of Decatur, Brooke Whitt, Robin Whitt and Summer Whitt, all of Athens, and Jacob Butler  and Gracie Beth Butler, both of Muscle Shoals.