The Lord welcomed Mrs. Carrie Bernice Billings home on Sunday morning, April 23, 2023, at 3:15 a.m. Carrie was surrounded by her loved ones during this time. Carrie was born December 14, 1947, to Geneva Horne and W.H. Wallace Jones in Clarke County. Carrie had a passion for her walk with Christ. Her family was her world. She was a beautiful person inside and out. She had a beautiful smile that would light up an entire room. When you saw Carrie, you would always see her family.
Carrie was very well-known and loved by many generations. It was her mission to help educate and support everyone she encountered. Carrie was a 1965 graduate of Shirley Owens High School in Quitman, MS. After graduation, she earned an Associate Degree at Harris Junior College in 1967, and in 1969 she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in education from Mississippi Valley State College, presently Mississippi Valley State University. While completing her student teaching in Shelby, MS, Carrie met the love of her life, Floyd Lee Billings. Carrie and Floyd were inseparable and were united in Holy Matrimony in 1969. Two beautiful daughters were the result of this union, and Christ was always the center of their lives.
After being married, Floyd moved his bride to Chicago, Illinois to begin a new journey together. Carrie taught in the Chicago school system for eight years. After that time, the Billings family moved back to Matherville, Mississippi. Carrie spent most of her teaching career in the Quitman School District. She retired after teaching over thirty years.
Carrie was a member of Mt. Levy United Methodist Church in Matherville, Mississippi. She was Head Usher and trained others to usher and teach Sunday school. Carrie was a servant leader and always went above and beyond to help everyone she encountered. She spent countless hours helping the church, school, and community. She was the church youth director, Sunday school teacher, mentor, event coordinator, trainer, and educator. During her time as a church leader, Carrie organized a plethora of programs, such as Christmas and Easter plays and Black History programs. She also organized many fundraisers to help the church. She also organized many trips for the Matherville community and surrounding areas.
Carrie impacted many generations with her kindness, love, and passion for helping others. She worked diligently and made a positive impact on everyone she encountered.
Carrie loved children and teaching. She organized and directed an after-school tutoring program at her home. Carrie was the epitome of a Christian woman. She was loving, kind, and passionate—a true woman of God who cared deeply for the people around her. Carrie made a positive and tremendous impact on many lives. She will forever be missed.
Immediate family members proceeding her in death are her parents, Geneva Horne and W.H. Wallace Jones; her sister, Yvonne Jones; and her beloved husband, Brother Floyd Lee Billings.
Survivors include her daughter, Yavonne (James) Evans of Ellisville, MS, Tamikia Billings of Clinton, MS, Rhonda Billings of Tucker, GA, Derrick (Jennifer) Billings of Snellville Mountain, GA; grandchildren, Courtney Billings, Corey Billings, Derreck Billings Jr., L.J. Evans, and Aunjee Evans; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, family, and friends.
