of Helena, AR
June 22, 1934 - May 28, 2021
Patricia Adele Spivey Billingsley, 86, known as P-A-T, passed peacefully May 28th just eight months after her husband, Jimmy. She is again telling him what to do and what to wear.
Born in Dayton, TN to Warren and Edith (Boyd) Spivey, Pat arrived in Helena, AR at age three. Growing up in a big house on College Street, she developed a big personality, charming smile and infectious laugh. Central High School created life-long friendships. She left Agnes Scott College because she only passed Spanish and smoking.
She married "Tiger" in 1953, traveling to Air Force bases before settling in Helena where she brought her son, Frank, into her world in 1960. The family moved to Jacksonville, FL where her daughter, Kay, joined the family in 1962. Pat became known for bridge parties, cocktail hours, suntanning and shopping at Pic 'n Pay. The family left for Greenwood in 1965, then Birmingham in 1969 where Pat turned her kitchen into a Grand Central station for friends. Known for telling it like it is, she took on Real Estate always making the Million Dollar club. Unfortunately, she found houses she wanted so we moved a lot.
In 1993, Pat and Tiger retired to Helena rejoining all their High School friends. She orchestrated fabulous parties, shopping sprees (we should have all bought stock in Chico's), road trips to football games, casinos and golf tournaments, and historical tours of Helena. Always volunteering, she loved her town and the First Presbyterian church.
Everything changes as we age, but not the person inside. Our mom encouraged us to see the best in people, to try our hardest, to move forward in bad times, accept truth, and that 'attitude is everything'. And Wendy's makes a mean chicken sandwich.
Her brothers, Warren Jr and George Spivey, went before her. Those of us cherishing her memory include her son Franklin Patrick Billingsley (Kevin Gilliard), her daughter Sharon Kay Billingsley, her step-grandson Morgan Gilliard, her grandson James Alan Woods, her granddaughter Spivey Woods Wilson (Blake), and her great-grandtwins Abigail and Daniel Wilson. Nieces, nephews, and friend after friend will never forget her. Any donations can be made to the Helena Museum of Phillips County, PO Box 38, Helena, AR 72342.
Services for P-A-T will be Wednesday, June 9, 2021 at Roller-Citizens of West Helena starting with a 1pm visitation, 2pm service, 3pm graveside, and followed by a reception of F-U-N.
Honorary pallbearers are Bill Brandon, Joe Griffith, Dr. Scott Hall, Henry Jordan, Sr., John King, Jr., Adrian Messina and Michael S. Taylor.
Services are directed by Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, (870) 572-2571. Relatives and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/westhelena.
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6 Condolence(s)
Jim Bowers
Wednesday, June 22, 2022
I belatedly noticed this announcement of my long time friend Patsy’s death. All during World War II, I lived across the street from her and my sister Margaret dated her brother George for several years back on those days. In addition, I graduated from Central high school in Helena in her class. I last saw her at one of our high school reunions. She was always a lot of fun and was a very nice person
Malissa Hendricks
Saturday, July 3, 2021
I am just seeing that Mrs. P-A-T passed. I am so sorry to hear this. I worked at Economy Drug and had the pleasure of meeting her. The words you described her made me laugh because I remember her so well. She definitely was a sweet lady that had a sense of humor we all wished we had. She was definitely a bright light in my life! My thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Ken Damsgard
Sunday, June 6, 2021
Your Dad was my manager at Southern Company Services. He was an outstanding manager and good guy. I enjoyed working for him. My condolences to your family for losing your parents.
Missy Howe
Saturday, June 5, 2021
How sweet “P-A-T†and “Tiger†were when Bill and our family moved to Helena. Always nice. P-A-T was darling, always had a smile on her face, and sure could tell a funny story! I was blessed to have known her and Mr. Jimmy. Sincerely, Missy Howe
Philly Herlein Rains
Friday, June 4, 2021
First Pat and Jimmy were our neighbors on Liberty Street, and then Jimmy kept books for Helena Electric Company. When I moved back to Helena in 2015 P-A-T was on the welcoming committee. She was more than just a fun, cool, person. She was a force to be reckoned with. Always the same person...and we loved her. The world is a less fun place without her in it, but knowing she's with Tiger again makes it all better.
Reba
Thursday, June 3, 2021
I came to know Mrs. Billingsley from my job at Wal-Mart and she was such a sweet lady. So sorry your loss. My prayers and condolences go out to the family.