Billie Webster

On April 20th, 2024, Wilma “Billie” Lewis Webster passed away at the age of 105. If anyone deserved 105 years on this earth, it was certainly Billie. 

Billie Webster spent her life in service of others in every role she took on. She was a registered nurse, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister, and dearest friend. In the 1950s, Billie and her husband Bill Webster became the adoptive parents of two boys, Al and Gary Webster. She prioritized attending and participating in the family reunions for both her maiden family and her husband’s, the Woodwards and Websters respectively. As a woman of deep faith, she remained an active member at Rocks Springs Methodist church. 

In 1941, Billie graduated from the Grady Memorial Hospital Nursing School in Atlanta, GA. Upon graduation, she traveled to New York to work with premature babies. After returning to Georgia, Billie served the American Red Cross for over 50 years, holding certifications in disaster relief, school health, first aid, and preparation for parenthood. In her late 70s, Billie was named Volunteer of the Year by the American Red Cross. 

With family ties to the original Woodward Mill, Billie was also an impactful community member in Gwinnett County, playing a major role in bringing the first vaccinations to the county, participating in the foundation of the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center, and regularly volunteering in several organizations, such as the Boy Scouts and countless others. Over the years, she won many awards at the Gwinnett County Fair for her vegetables and livestock. 

Billie was never one to sit still! She actively maintained a vegetable and flower garden for years; stopping by her house meant leaving with canned or fresh veggies. She was a talented seamstress and ceramist. She spent countless hours crocheting, embroidering (serving as an active member of the Embroiderers' Guild of America), quilting, and pursuing needlepoint. Well after her 100th birthday, Billie continued to crochet small projects. 

She knew when to work and when to rest and play. With her husband Bill and many other relatives, Billie traveled around the U.S., Mexico, South America, and England (which she saw at the age of 92). She always sought to see and experience as much of the world as she could. 

Billie had a particular fondness for children and they returned the sentiment. At family gatherings, the youngest of her great-grandchildren, grand-nieces and grand-nephews always gravitated to her sweet presence. She also collected eyeglasses for children in need and even provided daycare services for children at her home until she was 96. 

The whole of Billie’s 105 years reflects her love and devotion to Jesus Christ. She cared for others with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. She never sought to benefit herself, only to make life better for anyone blessed to know her. It is impossible to quantify her impact, but we know she has made a difference for generations to come. 

Billie is survived by grandsons, Alan (Trudi Cheek) Webster of Buford, Todd Hood of Canton, GA, Chris Hood of Canton, Kyle Hood of Loganville, GA; great grandchildren, Kennedy and Corey Holbert, Avery and Mary Webster, Paige and Zach Hutchins, Kylee Hood, Kaylee Hood, Kale Hood, Connor Hood, Harrison Hood, C J Hood, Paxton Hood Payton and Jacob Hood; great great grandchildren, Eli Hutchins and Rylee Hutchins; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Preceding her in death were her husband, William A Webster, Jr; sons, Gary Webster, William Alan Webster III; parents, Ruby Woodward Ogletree and Mac Tal Lewis; siblings, Polly and Jack Ward, Sara and Bob Nesbit, and Dean and Colista Lewis.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Rock Springs Methodist Church in Lawrenceville, GA.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you would consider donating to the American Red Cross in Billie’s honor.

To express condolences, please sign our online guest book at www.flaniganfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements By: Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA (770) 932-1133.