Mary Olivia (Billie) Privette Early

Mary Olivia (Billie) Privette Early, age 88, died yesterday at her residence, surrounded by her children.

Mary was born in Darlington County, South Carolina to the late Jacob Peele and Vera Mae Privette. She was preceded in death in death by her husband of 61 years, Doyet Arnold "Jack" Early, her sister Vera Mae Anderson, and her brother retired Lt. Col. Jacob Henry Privette.

Mrs. Early was a graduate of the School of nursing of the Medical College of the State of South Carolina. She worked as a graduate nurse in Washington, DC, during World War II. She returned to South Carolina and married her high school sweetheart upon his arrival home from the war.
Mrs. Early worked as head nurse of the Pediatric Department of Hall County Hospital for 14 years. After retiring from nursing she became an active member of the Medical Auxiliary of Northeast Georgia Hospital. She served as president of the Auxiliary and was instrumental in establishing the first "Market Place" as the major fundraiser for the Auxiliary for the past 25 years. Mrs. Early received the prestigious "employee of the year" and "Volunteer of the year" awards from the hospital. She was an active member of Peasant Hill Baptist Church.

Mary is survived by her children, Judge Jack and Lee Early of Bamberg S.C., Joe Early of Oakwood Ga., Dr. Bill and Donna Early of Canton, Ga., Mary and Ted Evans of Commerce, Ga. and Martha Buxton of Gainesville, Ga. Her grandchildren, Will and Dasher Early of Mount Pleasant, SC. , Ross and Natasha Early of Islamorada, Fl. Katie and Kevin Laymon of Wilmington, NC., Joseph and Alisa Early of Ashville, NC., Allison and Chris Faucett of Canton, Ga., Dr. Paul and Christina Early of Canton, Ga., John, Matthew, and Mary Early of Canton, Ga. David and Tabitha Evans of Commerce, Ga., and Catherine and Daniel Buxton of Macon, Ga. Her precious great grand children, Lesesne and Harvey Early of Mount Pleasant, SC., Kara, Maci, Bella, and Samantha Laymon of Wilmington, NC., Olivia Faucett of Canton, Ga., and Parker Evans of Commerce, Ga.

Funeral Services will be Saturday, September 29 at 3 PM from Pleasant Hill Baptist Church with Rev. Stacy Phillips officiating with the interment following at Hillside Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church on Saturday from 1-3 PM.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Pleasant Hill Baptist Church: 3650 Browns Bridge Rd. Gainesville, GA 30504, Hospice of Northeast Georgia: 2150 Limestone Parkway Suite 222 Gainesville, GA 30501, The Northeast Georgia Medical Center Auxiliary "Love Light Tree": 743 Spring St. Gainesville, GA 30501.

Little-Ward Funeral Home Commerce is in charge of arrangements.