Willie Mae Sabatke

"Billie," as she was affectionately known, was born April 29th, 1929 in Tremble, Tennessee to parents Fred and Ella Evans. Billie was educated in a one-room schoolhouse and had hilarious stories from those years that she enjoyed recounting over and over again with her family. She was quite enthusiastic about it and would often lead off with, "I know you've heard this before, but you haven't heard it today!"

Though her marriage to Eldon Dwayne Smith didn't last, she was endlessly proud of the children they created together. It was not easy being a single mother in the 1950's south, but Billie worked hard, scrimped and saved and was able to buy a house for her family. Eventually she caught the eye of Edward Sabatke, and marriage to him also made her a stepmother to his son Kelly. Ed was a Civilian Munitions Expert with the Army, and they moved to New York (big change from TN), and from there overseas (even bigger change!). They were stationed in both Orléans, France and later Homburg, Germany. Living in Europe gave Billie the travel bug, and she took every opportunity to travel all over Europe with her daughter and the other officer wives.

Billie never met a stranger and corresponded up to her death with a friend she made on the initial plane ride over. Billie became known on base for her ability to cook southern food, and Ed often invited American servicemen for one of her home-cooked meals. She started collecting antiques, and a painting class in Germany uncovered a true talent. She studied painting throughout her time in Europe, and continued painting as a hobby until well in her 80s.

The birth of their first grandchild lured Billie and Ed back to the States, and they settled in Oxford, Alabama. Billie grew a huge vegetable garden in the back and gorgeous flowers all around the house. Every family member had a different "favorite" that she would lovingly prepare so it was ready when they walked in her door. One of her specialties was blackberry cobbler, but the berries didn't come from a store. She could be flying down the road and spot a wild blackberry bush from 50 yards away. There was always a plastic bag or some other random container in the car for that purpose. She'd brave the chiggers and pick enough for a cobbler or jam. Summers meant weeks hosting her grandchildren. Her house was full of antiques that she shipped back over from Europe, but no item was too precious that her family couldn't use it...even if the person was a 4 year old eating ice cream and the item was a Louis XV chair.

Billie and Ed had a good life in Alabama full of love, fun and friendship. When Ed suffered a stroke and became bedridden, Billie kept him at home and took care of him herself. Their vows were "in sickness and in health" and she took that to heart. This went on for 10 years. He was devoted to her, and she was equally devoted to him. When he passed, she remained in their home in Alabama until Macular Degeneration eventually stole her vision. Though she recognized the need to be closer to family, it was hard to sell the home she had lived in for 50 years. After several years (she was stubborn and her family inherited that gene) she relocated to Whispering Pines Gracious Retirement Living in Raleigh, NC where she resided for almost 7 years. Her room on the first floor had a sitting area right outside her door. She often sat there and "held court" with anyone who wanted to sit down and chat. She also was a regular at BINGO. She loved to play! The game seemed to love her back because she won at least one game almost every time she played.

A fall the night before Easter landed her in the hospital and a short stint in rehab. At that point (98 years old mind you!), she really started to slow down. She was still sharp as a tack mentally, but physically she wasn't steady on her feet and could no longer be left alone for fear of another fall. They say it takes a village, and the lovely staff at Whispering Pines, together with assistance from Hospice and 4 rotating caregivers enabled Billie to live her final months comfortably in her own apartment surrounded by all her pretty things. The family is forever grateful for their love and kindness. She was sunshine and sass and will be missed tremendously.

Billie was preceded in death by her parents; siblings Freddie Dyer, Ray Evans, Roy Evans; stepson Kelly; husband Ed, and too many friends to name.

She is survived by children Ron Smith (Gail), Debbie Westbrook (Oliver); grandchildren Tanya Thorson (Andy), Dr. Kara Svonavec (Dr. Stephen), Dr. Tracey Westbrook (Matt), Michael Smith; and great-grandchildren Olivia, Walker, Tanner and Delilah Thorson, and Simon Westbrook.

She often said, "You can take the girl out of Tennessee but you can't take the Tennessee out of the girl." Per her wishes, Billie's final resting place is back home in Tennessee. A Graveside service was held Friday, October 24th at 1pm at Gibson County Memory Gardens in Humboldt, TN. A celebration of life will be held in Raleigh at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Transitions Life Care (by using the link below, under 'Donations'), or a charity of choice.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13.

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