- She was paralytically shy her entire life.
- In 1995, she became the first science-fiction writer to be awarded the MacArthur Foundation "genius" grant, which paid her US$295,000 over a 5-year period. The award is given annually to people who challenge and expand the boundaries of their chosen fields.
- Was the first African American woman to gain popularity and critical acclaim as a major science-fiction writer, championed by and protégée of Harlan Ellison.
- She began writing at age 10. In 1970, she attended a fantasy writer's workshop in East Lansing, Michigan.
- Daughter of Laurice and Octavia M. "Guy" Butler, she was the only child of five pregnancies that her mother was able to carry to full term.
- Received an Associate of Arts degree in 1968 from Pasadena City College. She then attended California State University, Los Angeles, and the University of California, Los Angeles.
- Buried at the beautiful Mountain View Cemetery in Altadena, which is in the area of Pasadena, California. This older and historic cemetery is located at 2400 North Fairoaks.
- She was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority
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