Billie Jean Tillis, 69, died June 11, 2022, at her home with her family by her side. Billie was born June 22, 1952, to Virginia Jordan and Oliver Smith.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, at Laird Funeral Home from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Graveside services will be held on Thursday, June 16, 2022, at Sunset Memorial Park at 10:00 AM.
Billie is preceded in death by her loving husband of 48 years, Floyd Tillis, Jr. She and Floyd built a life together that they loved, where they had two beautiful children. She is survived by her daughter, Sandy Tillis of Tyler and son, Cody Tillis and wife, Amanda of Nacogdoches. Her two granddaughters, Taylor, and Jacey Tillis of Nacogdoches, who were dearly loved by their “BB” along with other family and close friends. She was also preceded in death by her beloved sister, Becky Gray.
Billie graduated from Nacogdoches High School in May of 1970, turned 18 in June, and married Floyd in August. Billie moved to Norfolk, Virginia, while Floyd served in the US Navy. Upon being discharged from the Navy, Junior, Billie, and their daughter Sandy, returned to their beloved Nacogdoches, where Billie then got her associates degree. When back in Nacogdoches, Cody was born, and Billie began working at the Nacogdoches County Court House. While at the courthouse, Billie acquired the nickname Bullfinch, by Bryan Holt Davis and many others. Billie devoted 42 years of her life at the courthouse where many colleagues became lifelong friends and some even like family.
In Billie’s free time, she enjoyed doing crafts for the church bazaar, homecoming mums, and any other thing she could decorate. She enjoyed directing weddings for those that she loved. Billie was one with a giving heart. She always tried to help those in any way that she can. Her family used to joke and say that she could never say no to others. Which was true. Billie cared for others as if they were her family.
Billie was a lifelong member of Perritte Memorial United Methodist Church where she acquired many friends. She was a faithful member of the Becomer’s Sunday School Class and The United Methodist Women.
“Say not in grief she is no more, but in thankfulness that she was.” – Hebrew Proverb. BB, we will continue to celebrate your life in all that we do.
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