Barbara Ann Wheeler Billingsley

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Barbara Ann Wheeler Billingsley, our loving and devoted Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, and friend to all whose lives she touched. She was a blessing to this world and will be deeply missed by many. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on the 24th of November at the age of 88.  She was born in Hamlet, NC to Vance Leroy Wheeler and Ruby Huggins Wheeler on March 25th, 1934.  
In 1952, Barbara married Bennett Terry Billingsley.  They were blessed with four wonderful children, Connie, Terri, Ernie, and Benny, that they raised in Hamlet, NC.  She became a CNA in 1968 at Hamlet Hospital, where she dedicated herself to serving others for 35 years.   Although she retired from the Hospital, she continued to care for others, including her husband, great grandchildren, and many residents of the nursing facilities where she, herself, was a resident.  She had a way of treating everyone as if they were special and always had a way of lifting up anyone she came in contact with through the years.  
In her earlier years, she played basketball for Hamlet High School, was a member of a card club, and traveled with her friends.  She had a gift of playing the piano and did so by ear, as she never learned to read music.  She would also sing “Bill Grogan’s Goat” to the grandchildren often as they loved to hear her sing. Barbara was an avid reader and an amazing story teller. She wrote numerous ghost stories of her experiences throughout the years with some of these stories being published in the newspaper.  She also shared the history of Hamlet as she remembered.  Her memory was impeccable and she was able to share stories from all the way back to her childhood from her life and of Hamlet.  
Her favorite pastime may have been going to yard sales every weekend.  She kept her trunk stocked with toys, clothes, shoes and other random finds for anyone who may need anything.  There were many times that she clothed the patients at the hospital or people she met in the community.  She always gave selflessly to others, even if it was her last to give.  Her love for others goes unmatched in this world.  
Barbara was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Bennett Terry Billingsley, daughter Connie Lee DeBerry, sons-in-law, Samuel Eugene DeBerry and Lynwood Carlton Dunn, and her precious dog, Karleigh.
Barbara is survived by her children Terri Billingsley Dunn, Ernie Billingsley (Arlinda), and Benny Billingsley (Betty).  Her grandchildren are Sandra McDonald (Jimmy), Jennifer Wrenn (Justin), Lynwood Dunn Jr, Lauren Dunn, Stephanie Bledsoe (Richard), Kristen Pruitt (Justin), Tarrah Dawkins (Chad), Anthony Billingsley (Savannah), Travis Billinglsey (Brooke), Ben Billinglsey (Chelsea),  and great grandchildren Kylie Dewitt, Kirsten McDonald, Grayson Wrenn, Caitlyn Dunn, Hallie Turpin, Emma Bledsoe, Jackson Bledsoe, Jamin Pruitt, Jaiden Pruitt, Tayleigh Dawkins, Michael Jefferson (MJ) Dawkins, Hunter Wood, Anna Rae Billingsley, Easton Billingsley, and Eliza Kate Billingsley.  She is also survived by many other family members and dear friends that felt like family.
Barbara loved her children and would tell everyone about their lives, families, and how proud she was of them.   She had a special bond with each of her children,  spending many of her last years sharing stories, memories, and quality time with them.  
What brought her tremendous happiness were her grandchildren, and she was the best grandmother they could ever have.  For over 20 years, she would pick up grandchildren from school, attend ball games, ceremonies, or just visit.  She loved the babies and could be found rocking the babies at every family function.  She could always put them to sleep better than anyone.  We were blessed that she was able to give that same love and affection to the great grandchildren as well.  
Barbara lived a long, amazing life.  She was loved by everyone she met, which was even more evident in her final days.  She lived life on her own terms and that is also how she passed, giving kisses up until her final moments.  She will certainly be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of meeting her.
The family will receive friends Sunday, November 27, 2022 from 12:30-2:00 p.m. prior the service at the funeral home and at other times at the home of her granddaughter Jennifer & Justin Wrenn 732 Cumberland Circle Rockingham.
Funeral services will be conducted Sunday, November 27, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at Watson-King Funeral Home Chapel in Hamlet with Rev. Eddie Hildreth and Travis Billingsley officiating. Burial will follow at Mary Love Cemetery in Hamlet.
Memorials may be made to Richmond Co. Hospice, 1119 US Hwy #1 N Rockingham, NC 28379.
Online condolences may be made at www.watson-kingfuneralhome.com Watson-King Funeral Home in Hamlet is serving the Billingsley family.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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