of Searcy, AR
January 5, 1944 - April 29, 2025
Mary Sue Clower Billingsley was born January 5, 1944 in Lawton, Oklahoma to Clinton Afton Clower and Zula Juanita Harrison Clower. She went to be with her Lord on April 29, 2025 in Searcy, Arkansas. She is preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Oletha Nell Clower; a brother-in-law, Forrest Kirby and a nephew, Dean Clower.
She is survived by her devoted husband of nearly 60 years, Samuel Billingsley; her beloved children, Scott Billingsley, Susan Billingsley Pilkington (Lonnie), Sara Billingsley and Kelly Billingsley and her cherished granddaughters, Afton Billingsley, Addie Billingsley, Kaia Pilkington and Lyndee Pilkington. She also Leaves Behind her brother, James Clower (Patsy); her sister, Juanita Wells (Wayne) and her loving nephews and nieces, Mark Kirby (Bretta), Tim Kirby (Kathy), David Kirby (Michelle), Steve Kirby (Holly), Chris Kirby, Kevin Clower (Terri), David Durrill (Judy) and Daniel Durrill (Brenda).
She and Sam were married on August 28, 1965 in Lawton, Oklahoma. They met at the Stillwater Church of Christ while students at Oklahoma State University. Following Sam's graduation from OSU, he and Mary Sue moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where she worked at the Harding Graduate School of Religion bookstore while Sam attended the graduate school.
After seven years in the business community, while living in Smyrna, Tennessee, they became the youth ministry couple for the Smyrna Church of Christ. Mary Sue used her talents working with children to begin a Mother's Day Out program that has continued to serve this congregation for more than fifty years.
In 1977 they moved to Waxahachie, Texas and she again started a Mother's Day Out program for the College Street Church of Christ. This work continues to this day. While living in Waxahachie she went back to college and completed her BA in Elementary Education at Texas Woman's University. She then taught at Northside Elementary School and Dallas Christian School for the next eleven years. During this time the couple moved to Dallas, Texas and Mary Sue Pioneered a transitional first grade class for Dallas Christian School.
In 1995, they were given an opportunity to move to Searcy, Arkansas and work with the College Church of Christ. While in Searcy, Mary Sue attended Harding University and received her certification to teach Special Education. She worked with elementary school students for White County Central School for twelve years before retiring.
Mrs. B., as her students called her, was a dedicated wife, mother, teacher and Christian woman. She has definitely "fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7).
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
Sparrow's Promise, 208 E Moore Ave, Searcy, AR 72143
sparrowspromise.org
To order a DVD copy of this video memorial, please contact our funeral home at + 15012683546.
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3 Condolence(s)
Alison Baird
Friday, May 2, 2025
Mary Sue was a wonderful friend and mentor to me at White County Central. She was a talented educator with a sincere love for Christ and all His children. She will be missed. So thankful we will meet again. Praying for Sam and the family during this time of sadness.
Fay Ellyson
Friday, May 2, 2025
Sam & Mary Sue came to the College Street Church of Christ in the late 70's as our first youth minister and his dedicated wife. Marry Sue & I were young mothers returning to the work force, so we spent many hours figuring out church/home/work life issues. We helped with each other's children and worked together at Dallas Christian School. I loved her dearly. She had a quiet demeanor but a deep Christian conviction. I will always treasure our friendship and look forward to spending eternity with her and other dear friends. Heaven just gets sweeter the more people I love who go there. Rest in peace precious friend.
Roy Showalter
Thursday, May 1, 2025
I loved working with Mary Sue at white county central. We had many good conversations there around the lunch table. She was a sweet lady and friend to me .