Birth Date: 1938-06-07

Deceased Date: 2021-01-04

Obituary:
A graduate of Howard University, Joseph was a loving, caring person who loved to cook, entertain family and friends, and greeted everyone with, "Hi, call me Joe."

He enjoyed an illustrious, 21-year military career in the United States Army, rising to the rank of Captain at 23 years of age. In 1975, he was placed as Commander of a military base in Ludwigsburg, Germany for three years. One of Joseph’s superiors said of him: “Quiet and unassuming, he produces superior results and commands respect from all those about him.” Throughout his career, he received several medals and commendations. And in 1980, Joseph completed his military services at the Pentagon as a full Colonel (the "Full Bird").

We count ourselves blessed to have had Joseph in our lives. And we pray that you never feel his absence as we plan to remember and demonstrate his love and faith every day.

Edrena Howard Alexander
His Wife

Birth Date: 1936-04-29

Deceased Date: 2021-08-05

Obituary:
The fifth daughter of Dollie M. & Willie R. Howard, Sr is now in heaven; her journey is complete. Those who knew her well will miss her wisdom, unquenchable and consoling spirit, for she was a presence who always saw the light in the dark. She never hesitated to share the possibility that you could see it too.

We thank God that he chose us to share her acquaintance.

Byron C. Beco
Her Son & The Howard Family

Birth Date: 1944-11-06

Deceased Date: 2022-08-04

Obituary:
Mable Billups was born to the parents of James W. Billups Sr. and Louise Billups on November 6, 1944. The life-long Tampa resident graduated from Blake High School in 1964. As a homemaker, Ms. Billups opened her house to assist many others in her community.

Mable is preceded in death by her parents, James W. Billups Sr. and Louise Billups; son, David (Marco) Billups; brothers, Joseph Billups, Allen Billups, Marion Billups Sr., and James W. Billups Jr.; sisters, Pauline Williams, and Patricia E.Wilson; grandsons, Omar Billups, and Timario Billups; and niece, Vena Richardson.

A loving mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, Ms. Billups leaves to cherish her memory with: her children, Joann Billups and Pauline Billups; grandchildren, Marcus Telfair, Deshandre Billups, Joquila Fussell, Marlon Dorsey, Loneisha Marchman, Jo’Deja Chisolm, Destiny Chisolm, and Carlos Brim; brothers, Lewis (Wadie) Billups, Homer (Sarah) Billups and John Billups; and a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Birth Date: 1937-01-14

Deceased Date: 2022-05-30

Obituary:
Deacon Billups was born on January 14, 1937, to James W. Billups, Sr. and Louise Warren Billups in Tampa, FL. He was a graduate of Don Thompson Vocational High School, Class of 1956. Deacon Billups attended college for a period of time before being drafted into the United States Army in 1960. During his 24-year career he held many assignments from Fort Jackson, SC to Fort Ord, CA and from South Vietnam to Darmstadt, Germany to Camp Humphrey and Camp Mercer, Korea. He was very proud of his years in the Service and the experience he gained. He would always say “Support your loved ones who desire serving our country their choice”. Upon his retirement in 1984 at the rank of Master Sergeant, Deacon Billups made it routine to stay in contact with many of his fellow veterans and would travel the distance to see those special ones. He continued to use his skills as a Construction Engineer Supervisor to build small and large projects for himself, family, and friends.

Deacon Billups was smitten by his wife, Cleo, from the moment they met. His daily routine was having a cup of coffee with her on the lanai. He enjoyed gardening, filling their yard with beautiful plants, and taking road trips to see family and friends. He was a wonderful and loving husband and father that put family on the heels of the Lord.

Deacon Billups was a faithful and dedicated member of New Salem M.B. Church. His service to God was important and unwavering. He was a member of the Usher Board and the Security Team until his health began to decline.

He peacefully transitioned from this life on Monday, May 30, 2022 with his loving and devoted wife of almost 29 years by his side.

Deacon Billups is preceded in death by: his parents, James Sr. and Louise Billups; brothers, Joseph, Allen, and Marion Billups Sr.; sisters, Pauline Williams and Patricia Wilson; and son, LeShawn Mingo.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his spouse, Cleo Billups; sons, James W. Billups III (Darlistene) of New York, and David Thurman (Sabrina) of Savannah, GA; sister, Mable Billups; brothers, Lewis Billups (Wadie) of Orlando, FL, John Billups, and Homer Billups (Sarah) of Orlando, FL; sisters-in-law, Mae Cummings, Mary Jones (Leroy) of Lake City, FL; Mary Wilcox of MacClenny, FL, Barbara Davis, Bettye Christian, Bennie Pegram and Marcia Buckley; brothers-in-law, James Sellers, Robert Sellers, and Cornelius Sellers; and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and a loving church family.

Birth Date: 1959-11-26

Deceased Date: 2021-01-13

Obituary:
Sandra was the sixth child of the late Stepney Billups. She was the life of the party and was told that she exudes a God-like presence when she entered a room. She greeted everyone with a big genuine warm smile and always made you feel loved.

She was a member of Billups Grove Baptist Church since a child and was a member of the Pastor's Aide. She retired from Koch, formerly DuPont, after 40 years. She worked for the Clarke County School District before moving on to the University of Georgia where she was employed at the time of her death.

She loved being around family and traveling. For her 60th birthday, she overcame her fear of flying when her kids took her to Jamaica (pictured). She exclaimed it to be her best birthday to date!

Sandra transitioned on January 13, 2021 after battling COVID. She was preceded in death by her husband G.W. Thomas and her twin brother, Cecil Billups.

She leaves behind two children, LaKandra and Brandon Thomas and a special great niece, Khyla Rhodes;
a loving mother, Mildred Billups (who recently passed in October 2022);
four sisters, Nellie Watkins, Shirley Pounds, Charlene (Ricky) Rhodes, and Mary (Rogers) LaGuins;
two brothers, Mike (Angela) Billups and David Billups;
a host of nieces and nephews, family and friends that adored her.

She's dearly missed and you can bet your bottom dollar that she will be at this reunion in spirit.

Obituary:
Willie R. and Dollie Mae Howard — the Monarchs of the Howard Family in Chicago, IL — were born in Atlanta, and Athens, GA. They were married for 62 years and the parents of six daughters and one son: Willa Mae, Estella, Juanita, Ida, Lucy, Jimmie, and Willie Jr. Dollie Mae is also cousin to (and an olive branch of) the Billups Family in Athens.

Beloved by all because of their love of God and people of all walks of life, Willie and Dollie Mae lived by the word and teaching of God. They set the example to “love your neighbor" and “do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

Willie and Dollie Mae were host and hostess to aunts, uncles, cousins and friends when they traveled and visited Chicago. We were blessed with their giving and loving spirts as parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins to other family members and many friends in their lives; of course, they left us too soon.

The heavens gates were opened on July 1, 1985, when Dollie Mae entered to received her "Wings,” and soon Daddy Willie, Sr. joined Mother on January 9, 1989. God's welcoming them with "Your work has been done on earth. Well done my good and faithful servants.”

Rather than mourn the absence of the flames of Willie and Dollie Mae, let us remember how the memories of their lives brightly burned as we celebrate the spirits of their very special life, so that in our hearts the flame will burn forever.

With love and grateful hearts,
The Howard Family

“Happy 50th Anniversary Billups Family Reunion!”