Violet Mae Billingsley

November 16, 1933 - February 11, 2020

Violet Mae Billingsley, age 86 years, a former resident of Goreville, passed away Tuesday morning, February 11, 2020, at 1:33 AM at the home of her son and daughter-in-law, Kevin and Jackie Billingsley, in Gleason, Tennessee. Violet was born November 16, 1933 in DeSoto, Illinois. She was the sixth of nine children born to Alvin and Belle (Gurley) Pearce. On July 9, 1955, Violet was united in marriage to Roger Gene Billingsley at Mt. Zion Baptist Church near Buncombe. He preceded her in death on May 19, 2006. Violet is survived by: her sons and daughters-in-law – Keith (Lynda) Billingsley of Goreville and Kevin (Jackie) Billingsley of Gleason, Tennessee; 5 grandchildren – Krista (Kris) Garnes of Dixon, Tennessee, Jordan (Sara) Billingsley of Jackson, Tennessee, Joshua Billingsley and Brandi Billingsley both of Lebanon, and Jacob Billingsley of Goreville; 5 great grandchildren – Case, Charlie, Ira, Vera and Virginia; 2 brothers – Calvin (Jane) Pearce of Goreville and Jerry (Lynn) Pearce of Manteno; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to her parents and husband, Violet was preceded in death by: 3 sisters – Tressie Colombo, Geneva King and Wanda Bradley; and 3 brothers – Gene, Bob and Larry Pearce. Violet was a graduate of Vienna High School. Through her working career, Violet worked as a laborer for a number of manufacturing businesses. Violet was a member of the Goreville First Baptist Church as well as Egyptian Chapter # 30 Order of the Eastern Star in Vienna. Roger and Violet enjoyed camping and fishing together. Violet also was a wonderful cook and took pleasure in preparing meals for her family and friends. A service honoring the life of Violet Billingsley will be held Saturday afternoon, February 15, 2020, at Bailey Funeral Home. The service will begin at 3 PM with Eastern Star rites accorded by Egyptian Chapter # 30 Order of the Eastern Star. Immediately following the Eastern Star rites, the funeral ceremony will be held. Dr. Ron Ferguson will officiate. Burial will be in the Mt. Zion Cemetery east of Buncombe. Visitation will be conducted Saturday afternoon, February 15, 2020, from 1:30 PM – 3 PM at Bailey Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Mt. Zion Cemetery Fund, c/o Owen Lee Webb, 2190 Mt. Zion Road, Vienna, IL 62995.