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Obituary For Irene “Sweet” Billingsley Copeland James
Mrs. Irene Billingsley (Copeland) James was born March 3, 1926 in Chambers County, AL to the parentage of late George and the late Lillie (Willis) Billingsley. She transitioned her beautiful life surrounded by her children at her bedside on Saturday, September 2, 2023, at Twin Fountains Nursing Home, LaGrange, GA.
At an early age, Irene confessed to Christ with her parents at St. John United Methodist Church, LaFayette, AL. In later years she reunited to New Hope Baptist Church, where she served many years on the Usher Board.
Irene was joined in holy matrimony to the late Luther Copeland. After the demise of Luther, Irene met and married Jim James who preceded her in death.
Irene was a very strong loving person. She enjoyed cooking, nurturing flowers, baking cakes, cleaning house and most of all, caring for her grandkids. She has a very “special” grandchild who will forever be in her heart, Robin Timmara Ray and a special 9 year old pet, “LJ” Lovejoy, who took care of her and was her company keeper. Irene enjoyed TV shows such as Divorce Court, Judge Mablean, General Hospital and the Price is Right with long time host, Bob Barker. She loved reading her Bible for her relaxing time. She was very caring of her family and she encouraged them love one another.
Irene’s health began to fail in 2019 where she no longer was able to live by herself. She then, moved with Dot to LaGrange, GA for extra care consisting of also a daily caregiver, Keisha. Over the past few months her son, “Soncho”, also, came to help assist in caring for Mom as a daily routine.
Irene was preceded in death by husbands, parents, brothers, Wheeler Billingsley, Gertie “Tot” Billingsley and Otis Billingsley; four sisters, Annie L. Stinson, Ella Pearl Caldwell, Addie “Kate” Ratchford and Maude Zachery; three sons-in-law, Bobby Lewis Ray Clarence Heard and Andrew Lee.
Irene leaves special memories with five children: Catherine C. Heard, Loganville, GA, Barbara C. Lee, Decatur, Georgia, Julia(Willie A)Taylor; Camphill, AL, Luther “Soncho”(Theresia) Copeland, Atlanta GA, loving and devoted daughter, Dorothy C. Ray; LaGrange, GA; 21 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, September 9, 2023 at 12(Noon), ET in the sanctuary of the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 7259 County Road 267, Lanett, AL 36863 with Rev. Terry Magby, Sr., Eulogist, Rev. Jimmial Harrison, Sr., and Dea. Jimmy Billingsley, assisting.
Interment will follow in Meadoway Gardens, 3293 Hamilton Road, LaGrange, GA
Public Viewing will be held on Friday, September 8, from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the mortuary.
Final Arrangements entrusted to M.W. Lee Mortuary.
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So sorry to hear of Ms. Irene's passing. She was a sweet lady. May you all cherish the sweet memories of herforever.
Grandma there is so much I can say about ALL the good times we had growing up from childhood to adulthood. Take your rest QUEEN . Love you forever... PAM..
My condolences to the James family and friends.She will truly be missed
Rest in heavenly peace Cousin Irene. Condolences to the family.
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