News Summary
Billie Evans, a beloved member of the Gibson County community, passed away recently, leaving behind a legacy characterized by love, resilience, and deep community involvement. Her life was filled with personal triumphs, a passion for travel, and a dedication to family that spanned generations. As a cherished matriarch, her warmth and hospitality will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.
Gibson County, Tennessee — Remembering Billie Evans: A Life Marked by Love, Resilience, and Community
Billie Evans, a cherished member of the Gibson County community, passed away recently, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, resilience, and enduring love. Her life story encompasses a rich tapestry of personal triumphs, cultural explorations, and steadfast dedication to her family and community.
Early Life and Education in Tennessee
Born on April 29th, 1929, in Tremble, Tennessee, Billie Evans was the daughter of Fred and Ella Evans. Her early education took place in a one-room schoolhouse, an experience she fondly remembered and shared humorous stories about with her family throughout her life. She often began her tales with the phrase, “I know you’ve heard this before, but you haven’t heard it today!” illustrating her cheerful storytelling style.
Family and Personal Life
Billie’s first marriage to Eldon Dwayne Smith ended, but she remained proud of her children. As a single mother navigating the challenges of the 1950s South, she worked diligently to provide for her family and successfully purchased a home. Later, she married Edward Sabatke, becoming a stepmother to his son, Kelly. Ed served as a Civilian Munitions Expert with the Army, a role that prompted their family to relocate to New York and later abroad to Orléans, France, and Homburg, Germany.
European Experience and Community Life
Living in Europe sparked Billie’s passion for travel. She explored many countries with her daughter and other officer wives, creating lifelong memories. On military bases abroad, Billie became well known for her cooking, especially southern dishes, often inviting servicemen to her home for meals. Her culinary talents and warm hospitality left a lasting impression.
Artistic Pursuits and Return to the U.S.
While in Germany, Billie enrolled in a painting class that revealed her artistic talent. She continued to pursue this hobby into her 80s. After the birth of her first grandchild, Billie and Ed returned to the United States, settling in Oxford, Alabama. Her home was filled with gardens, flowers, antiques from Europe, and her favorite dishes prepared for loved ones. She was also known for her ability to forage wild blackberries, making her famous blackberry cobbler.
Caregiving and Later Years
Billie devoted over a decade to caring for Ed after he suffered a stroke, exemplifying her commitment to her marriage vows of “in sickness and in health.” Following Ed’s passing, she remained in their Alabama home until her macular degeneration impaired her vision, eventually leading her to move to Whispering Pines Gracious Retirement Living in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she lived for nearly seven years. There, she engaged with fellow residents through conversations, sitting outdoors, and participating in activities such as BINGO.
Final Challenges and Death
In her final months, Billie experienced health setbacks after a fall before Easter and subsequent hospitalization, followed by rehab. Despite physical declines, her mental acuity remained until her later years. She received compassionate care from staff at Whispering Pines, hospice services, and rotating caregivers.
Legacy and Family
She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings Freddie Dyer, Ray Evans, Roy Evans, stepson Kelly, and husband Ed. She is survived by her children Ron Smith (Gail) and Debbie Westbrook (Oliver); her grandchildren Tanya Thorson (Andy), Dr. Kara Svonavec (Dr. Stephen), Dr. Tracey Westbrook (Matt), Michael Smith; and her great-grandchildren Olivia, Walker, Tanner, Delilah Thorson, and Simon Westbrook. Billie often expressed her Tennessee pride, stating, “You can take the girl out of Tennessee but you can’t take the Tennessee out of the girl.”
Funeral Arrangements and Remembrances
Her final resting place is in Gibson County Memory Gardens in Humboldt, Tennessee. A graveside service is scheduled for October 24th at 1 PM. A celebration of life will be held in Raleigh at an undisclosed later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Transitions Life Care, honoring her legacy of caring and community involvement.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Willie Sabatke Obituary
- Wikipedia: Billie Evans
- Legacy: Billie Gray Obituary
- Google Search: Billie Evans Gibson County
- Dallas Morning News: Billy Evans Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Billie Evans
- Cross Smith Funeral Home: Billie Renea Stooksbury Obituary
- Flanner Buchanan: Billie Frances Evans
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
