Billie Johnson Puckett

Billie passed away on April 26, 2016 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lewis, her parents, Ruby and Walter Johnson, two sisters, Elizabeth Haas and Maize Hereford, and one great-grandchild Josiah Cochran. She is survived by her three sons, Billy and wife Robbie, Smokey and wife Sylvia, and Mark and his wife Connie. She also leaves behind ten grandchildren and their spouses, and six great-grandchildren.

Billie was born on March 19, 1929 in Hollywood, Alabama and was raised on her father's farm. She graduated from Auburn University in 1951, where she met and married Lewis. After a brief stay in Mississippi and Alabama, Lewis and Billie settled in Charlotte in 1954. Together they built Clear Creek Animal Hospital, where Billie worked as the business manager.

Billie also taught Home Economics and Science at Ranson Junior High, Albemarle Road Junior High and Independence High School. Many young people learned to sew and cook from Billie and she expected excellence from her students.

Lewis and Billie sold Clear Creek in the mid 90's, moving to Midland and working at Greenock Farm Veterinary Hospital. "Pop" practiced there until he passed in 2006, Billie continued managing the practice every day until her 87th birthday this year.

Billie was industrious in life as she was in work. Her passions included collecting antiques, teaching Sunday school, doctoring animals, and working in her beautiful yard. But Billie's greatest passion was her family. She and Lewis shared their resources and provided the means for all of her grandchildren to attend college. She loved when the family filled a whole pew at church and gathered at her home afterwards for her lovingly prepared meals.

A line from Walt Whitman poem sums up her life: "A child went forth one day and each object he touched, this object he became." Whether as a teacher, a friend, or a mother, she has touched many.

A visitation with the family will be held on Friday, April 29, 2016 from 6-8pm at McEwen Funeral Service-Mint Hill Chapel, 7428 Matthews Mint Hill Rd, Mint Hill NC 28227.

A memorial service to celebrate Billie's life will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2016 at 11:00am at Blair Rd. United Methodist Church,9135 Blair Rd, Mint Hill, NC 28227.

Condolences may be offered at www.mcewenminthillchapel.com