Bettye Billings (10-13-15) service 10-18-15

Bettye L. Billings, of Counce, departed this life on Tuesday, Oct. 13, at the age of 73 years, 6 months and 4 days.
She was born in Hardeman County, Tennessee, on April 9, 1942, the daughter of Emma Mae McAlpin and the late James Wesley McAlpin. On Dec. 21, 1962, she was united in marriage to Frank H. Billings, who survives.
Bettye was a former resident of Memphis from 1962 through 1989. She had worked for Collierville High School and was the owner and operator of the Forest Hill Stables. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Counce. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend to all. She enjoyed sewing, cooking, canning, traveling, spending time in Florida, the lake, water skiing and fishing. Walking Horses were a passion of hers. She trained and showed Tennessee Walking Horses, winning the Celebration in Shelbyville, Tennessee, in the 1980s riding Ebony’s Royal Romper.
She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Frank H. Billings of Counce; her mother, Emma Mae McAlpin of Counce; three children, Sharon Denise Billings of Counce, Gregory Reese Billings and wife Julie of Collierville, Tennessee, Lisa Billings Davis and husband Kevin of Tuscumbia, Alabama; grandchildren, Sara Jane Billings, Brandon Reese Billings, Samantha Nicole Billings; and one step-grandchild, Nathan Davis.
In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by a brother, Jimmy McAlpin.
Services were held on Sunday, Oct. 18, at 1:30 p.m., at First Baptist Church of Counce with Dr. Bill Darnell and Rev. Jimmie McChristial officiating. Burial followed in White Sulphur Cemetery at Pickwick Dam, Tennessee.