BILLIE MCMURRY EMMONS

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BILLIE MCMURRY EMMONS June 12, 1926 - February 8, 2011 Billie McMurry Emmons, 84, died peacefully on February 8, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband of 61 years, Arthur S. Emmons, and her family at her side. Billie's home is in Ashland, Kentucky; however while in ill health she and Art have been residing in Atlanta under the care of her family and caregivers, including her daughters: Mickey Emmons Wener (husband Jim) of Winnipeg, Jennifer Emmons Michaels (husband Tom) of Atlanta, Georgia; and Susan Emmons Hatfield (husband Mark) of Nairobi, Kenya. Billie and Art have six grandchildren, including Sarah Emmons Wener of Winnipeg. Billie Emmons was a university graduate, dedicated wife, loving mother, avid church and denominational worker, skilled author, inspirational speaker, strong leader and generous community servant. She was accepting of all, with a heart for missions and reaching out to others. In the 1960s, she was instrumental in establishing the Crisis Closet to provide clothing for those in need. In 1968, inspired by her mother's spiritual walk, she published Letters from Mother. For 20 years, she and Art readied the farm for an outdoor spiritual day camp open to any child. She was a well-loved Sunday School teacher and held local and state leadership positions with the Baptist Woman's Missionary Union and Community Bible Study. Personally, Billie had a sharp wit, loved life, was a good listener, and prayed for many. An animal lover, she always had a trusty dog or two by her side. With her horse, General Mack, she was two-time winner of the West Virginia State Championship. Billie and her positive spirit will be missed by her family and many friends. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held in Ashland Kentucky with burial at Spring Hill Cemetery in Huntington, West Virginia. To honour her memory, contributions are gratefully accepted for Tabitha Ministries for AIDS, Baptist Global Response, www.gobgr.org, 402 BNA Drive, Suite 411, Nashville, Tennessee 37217. Please indicate that the donation is in Billie Emmons' memory.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 12, 2011