Billie Tanner Mitchell

Billie was born April 7, 1939, in Miami, Florida, to parents William Guy Tanner of Hall County, Georgia, and Florence Virginia Coe of Jeffersontown, Kentucky. She was blessed to grow up surrounded by grandparents, cousins, her church family, and the man who would become the love of her life.

After returning home from rodeo life, Theo “Bubba” Mitchell spied the grown-up Billie while she was visiting his sister Pat. “Is that little Billie Tanner?” he asked Pat. Billie, meanwhile, was telling her mother, “I sure would like to date him!” They wed in 1957, a marriage that lasted for 63 years until his death in 2021.

Billie graduated from Miami Edison Senior High School in 1957. She worked as a bookkeeper for Miami Welding Supply and later for her husband’s electrical contracting and home-building businesses. Years later, after her children were grown, she returned to work in the real estate industry in Tallahassee. She retired in 2008.

Whatever she set her mind to do, she tackled with heart, enthusiasm, and commitment. She was an avid tennis player and an accomplished seamstress; she played the piano and loved reading, fishing, and sports of every kind. But the roles she cherished above all else were “Mom” and “Granny.” Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the lights of her life.

Two weeks after her husband’s funeral, Billie was diagnosed with ALS, or “Lou Gehrig’s Disease.” She handled a devastating disease with grace, clinging to her faith and the love of her family. After two years and 4 months, she departed this life peacefully, with her children by her side.

Granddaughter of a Minister and daughter of a Deacon, Billie was a lifelong Baptist. Her Christian faith was her guide, strength, hope, and comfort.

Billie is predeceased by her parents, Guy and Florence Tanner, and her husband Theo Mitchell. She leaves children Vicki Mitchell, Jeff Mitchell, and Tracy Graham (Matt); grandchildren Jason Corder (Bree), Casey Corder (Beth), Clay Sullivan (Tarah), Tanner Mitchell, and Parker Mitchell; and great-grandchildren Colton, Presley, Abel, Carter, Inara, Collins Kate, and Cooper.