Beginning her career as a teacher, after a brief period, Butterfield moved into nursing, earning her RGN and midwife certifications in Jamaica.

[2] She earned her qualification as a registered general nurse (RGN) and returned to Grand Turk Hospital for two years.

She graduated with a competency to deliver babies without a doctor's supervision and honors, having earned the Matron's Prize, for best overall student; the Chief Surgeon's Prize, for the most efficient surgical student nurse; and the Evelyn Pierce Medical Nursing Book for night duty service excellence.

In addition to her work, she continued her education, completing her certification in psychiatric nursing at Daytona Beach Junior College in 1968.

[1] In 1988, she became an appointed Member of Parliament (called the Legislative Assembly at that time), representing the Progressive National Party and served in that capacity until 1991,[5] when she was elected as the first woman Speaker of the House.

In addition to other philanthropic endeavors, Butterfield was involved in numerous activities related to education including providing scholarships, co-sponsoring the Inter-Island High School Spelling Bee, co-founding the Turks and Caicos Community College and founding the canteen of Clement Howell High School.

[1] Butterfield died on 10 January 2015 at Doctor’s Hospital in Nassau, Bahamas[6] and was given a state funeral on 5 February 2015 in Turks and Caicos.