Verna Mae Billingsley

Verna Mae Billingsley, age 97 years, a resident of Goreville, Illinois, passed away Sunday morning, July 14, 2024, at 12:25 A.M. at Parkway Manor in Marion. Verna Mae was born July 10, 1927 in Goreville, Illinois. She was the third of five children born to Raleigh and Della (Craig) Sullivan. On March 9, 1942, Verna was united in marriage to George E. Billingsley in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. He preceded her in death on May 6, 2006. Verna is survived by: her sons – Leon (Janis) Billingsley of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma and Mark (Marsha) Billingsley of Goreville, Illinois; grandchildren – Heath (Monica) Billingsley of Summerfield, North Carolina, Hayley Schaberg of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Jason (Jacque) Billingsley of Goreville, Illinois and Jeffrey (Crystal) Billingsley of Herrin, Illinois; great grandchildren – Kyler (Maleah) Schaberg and Kaden Schaberg all of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Anna Billingsley & Alex Billingsley both of Carterville, Illinois, Reese, Madox & Peyton Billingsley all of Herrin, Illinois, Megan Billingsley and Victoria Billingsley both of Summerfield, North Carolina, Rustin (Lindsey) Gamble of Kentucky, David (Megan) Gamble of Herrin, Illinois and Alexia (Jackson) Boyd of Anna, Illinois; great-great grandchildren – Penelope Rose and Lily Schaberg, Madison, Sadie, Jax, Levi, and Layne Gamble; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many dear friends. Verna was anticipating the birth of a great-great granddaughter due this summer. In addition to her parents and husband, Verna was preceded in death by: her siblings – Ralph (Adalea) Sullivan, Hazel (Ernie) Girtman, Reanna (Sammie) Martin, and Loetta (Delbert) Black. Verna had worked as an assembler in manufacturing facilities. Verna and George enjoyed square dancing. They were also avid horse enthusiasts and active members of a local saddle club. Verna also enjoyed traveling with her circle of friends on bus excursions. She attended Busby Chapel Freewill Baptist Church. A service honoring the life of Verna Mae Billingsley will be conducted Thursday afternoon, July 18, 2024, at 1 P.M. at Busby Chapel Freewill Baptist Church, 7715 IL State Route 37 North, Goreville, Illinois. Pastor Brent Schuetz will officiate. Burial will be in the Busby Chapel Cemetery. Visitation will be held Thursday, July 18, 2024, from 11 A.M. until the service hour at 1 P.M. at Busby Chapel Church. Memorials may be made to Busby Chapel Cemetery, c/o Jim Dunn, 375 Dunn Lane, Goreville, Illinois 62939.

Verna Mae Billingsley

July 10, 1927 - July 14, 2024