Mavis Adams Billings, age 81, of Smithfield, KY, passed away Wednesday, November 15, 2017, in Clarksville, TN.
Mavis was born April 5, 1936, in Shelbyville, KY, to the late Joel Adams and Viola Ellis Adams. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Clayton E. Billings; brother, Harold (Cornelius) Adams; sister-in-law, Patsy Adams; son-in-law, Dale Stakelbeck.
Mavis is survived by two daughters, Debbie Wilson of Clarksville, TN and Joyce W. Stakelbeck of Crestwood, KY; three stepsons, Joe (Doris) Billing, Ted (Pam) Billing, and Roger (Rose) Billing, all of LaGrange, KY; two brothers, Donald (Doris) Adams and Teddy Ray Adams; three step-grandchildren, Stephanie (Dell Elliott), Marie (Jeff Adams), and Chris Billings; three step-great grandchildren; four sisters-in-law, Rosalie Ashey, Nancy (Ashley Chilton), Barbara Williams; and many nieces and nephews.
Mavis grew up on a 100-acre farm. She married at age 15, just out of high school. She stayed busy and learned many different skills after graduating high school. She worked as a bookkeeper at the water department, was the church secretary, a waitress, and a courier for a garage. Mavis’ life was blessed with her two daughters, Joyce and Debbie. This added the involvement of PTA and chaperoning school trips to her agendas.
After 25 years, her life would see change. She became reconnected with her high school sweetheart, Clayton Billings, and would spend the next 36 years with him. She recalls riding in parades with him in old Model T cars. Mavis also enjoyed working for the Red Cross by driving their passenger van. She enjoyed it so much that she retired from it three times.
She has mainly lived in Kentucky. Places such as Smithfield, LaGrange, Shelbyville, and Ballardsville. She is a University of Kentucky basketball fan. A fun and sincere lady, who enjoys gardening, dogs, and watching the birds. She was also on a bowling team and takes pride in her Choctaw Indian Heritage. Mavis’ children view her as their strength and stability in the family.
Mavis held many different hats during her lifetime. Mavis was resident of Shelby, Oldham and most recently Henry counties.
Early in life she delivered parts for auto body shops. She worked as an accountant for the Oldham County water department, Buckner, KY, kept the books for Crestwood Fire and rescue, and was Ballardsville Baptist church secretary for many years. She drove a school bus for Oldham County school system. She was PTA/PTO President/ secretary /treasurer for many years, being very active in her daughters’ lives. She was a lead chaperone and seamstress for the Oldham County marching/ concert bands, choirs and traveled to competitions and concerts. She worked in little league baseball, making the best homemade chili for the sporting events.
Mavis loved all sports but mostly basketball. She would load up the car with kids and go to the local basketball games.
Mavis loved to cook and bake and was volunteered to supply many a child’s wishes for cupcakes and desserts for School and church.
Mavis loved to drive and loved helping people. She drove folks to many appointments for the Red Cross for over 26 years. She retired two times and came back as a substitute driver, finally retiring in October 2015. She received outstanding honors from the Red Cross for her commitment, service, and great driving record.
She met many great friends along the way and was active in the Henry county Senior Citizens. She loved working the fairs and other special events.
She loved to sew and embroider. She won many ribbons for her quilting and embroidery work. She loved her Indian heritage. She has a major piece, “Indian Chief” on display, which was donated to Butler State Park
As Clayton was a restorer of Model T Fords and early John Deere tractors, Mavis loved riding in their Model T cars and visiting with all in rode trips and parades.
Mavis loved animals, making pets out of many a stray dog that found her. She fed the birds, loved watching the deer, turkeys, groundhogs, and squirrels play outside from her screened-in back porch.
Mavis had a very helping hand, and loved everyone. She always found the best in folks and loved helping out where she could. She has purchased many a lunch, groceries, paid light bills, installed ramps for a wheelchair or needy client, and provided dishes of food for those in need at any time.
A celebration of life service will take place Sunday, November 19, at 3:00 PM Eastern Time, at Heady Radcliffe Funeral Home, in LaGrange, KY, with Rev Wayne Dozier officiating. Burial will follow at Valley of Rest, in LaGrange.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mavis’ honor to the Henry Trimble Animal Shelter, 9213 Sulphur Road, Sulphur, KY 40070; or to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 3 International Drive, Suite 200, Rye Brook, NY 10573; or to a charity of choice.
Arrangements are entrusted to Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home, 1510 Madison Street, Clarksville, TN 37040; (931) 645-6488.