Mary Cumberlander Billingslea

Obituary For Mary Cumberlander Billingslea

Mrs. Mary Cumberlander Billingslea, age 90, of Lanett, AL transitioned on Sunday, March 22, 2020 at her residence.

Mary Alice Cumberlander Billingslea, daughter of the late Howard and Fannie Cumberlander, Sr., was born July 12, 1929, in Chambers County, AL. She was the oldest of seven children born to this union. She departed this life on Sunday, March 22, 2020, in Lanett, AL.

Mary Alice accepted Christ at an early age and joined the St. John Baptist Church. She was a faithful and dedicated member, who served as president of Missionary and Usher Boards, Deaconess, and Mother of the Church.

Mary Alice also known as “Mae” was joined in Holy Matrimony to the late John L. Billingslea, Sr. on August 17, 1947, and to this union, eight children were born. She was also the proud grandmother of 14 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren and affectionately known as “Mama Mae.”

She was a hardworking homemaker and textile worker for West Point Pepperell/Stevens working in the Towel Room for many years.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Howard (Fannie) Cumberlander, Sr., husband John L. Billingslea, Sr., brother Earnest Cumberlander, and a son Carl Llewellyn Billingslea. Those left to rejoice in her memories are: five daughters Mary Jarves Palmer, Lanett, AL; Marion (Ben) Braswell, Fayetteville, GA; Judith (Frederick) Sams, Pittsburgh, PA; Darlene (James) Ford, Fayetteville, GA; Aleatha (Rami) Gibson, Tyrone, GA; two sons, Thermond Billingslea, Lanett, AL; John (Lydia) Billingslea, Jr., Lanett, AL, four brothers, Joseph (Rozzetta) Cumberlander, Rudolph Cumberlander, Indianapolis, IN; Howard (Sandra) Cumberlander, Jr., Schaumberg, IL; Arthur Cumberlander, Lanett, AL; one sister Yvonne Stanford, Lanett, AL; 2 sisters-in-law Glaydell Cumberlander, Columbus, OH, Mary Alice Billingslea, Lanett, AL; five brothers-in-law Bob Henry (Luneda) Billingslea, Jim E. Billingslea, L.C. (Barbara) Billingslea, Charlie Billingslea, Alfred Billingslea, Lanett, AL; fourteen grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, a honorary daughter Doris Barber, Lanett, AL; devoted care-giver, Peggy Higgins, Lanett, AL and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Due to current restrictions, a private graveside service will be held on Friday, March 27, 2020 at the St. John Cemetery with the Rev. Eric Dowdell serving as the Eulogist.

Arrangements by M. W. Lee Mortuary of West Point, GA.