Billie Carolyn (Gates) Clokey

Born on August 20, 1928, Billie was a loving and devoted wife for 65 years to the late David Lauren Clokey. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold Gordon Gates and Effie Pauline Cox Gates of Memphis, Tennessee; brother, Harold Gordon Gates, Jr, Memphis, Tennessee; and sisters, Mary Pauline Gates Craig, Jackson, Tennessee and Virginia Loraine Gates Topp, Gulfport, Mississippi.

She is survived by her daughter, Carol Clokey Calahan and son-in-law, Joseph Delcambre Calahan, Guntersville, AL; son, David Lauren Clokey, Jr. and daughter-in-law, Patricia Ann Hill Clokey, Gadsden, AL; grandchildren, Lauren Ellen and husband Phil of Atlanta, GA, Katie Lambert and husband Chad Elberta, David Clokey, III and wife Allison, Jimmy Clokey and wife Ally all of Gadsden, AL, and Will Clokey and wife Kearse, Birmingham, AL; great grands, Will, Jack, and Sam Ellen; Luke and John Lambert; David, IV, Danley and Benjamin Clokey; James and Mary Lillon Clokey; and Joe Clokey.

"Bibi", as she was lovingly referred to by her grands and great grands, grew up in Memphis. and was a graduate of Memphis State University, where she served as ROTC Sponsor, and was a member of Phi Mu Sorority. Following graduation, she married David Clokey of Gadsden, whom she met while he was serving in the Naval Air Corps in Millington, Tennessee, in September 1950.

Billie was an active member of Rainbow Presbyterian Church until her health prevented her from attending. She taught school at several schools including Gadsden High, Disque Jr. High, Jesse Dean Smith, Wagner Elementary School, and Westminster Christian School.

Billie and David loved traveling and made friends with many Alabama football fans and fans of the opposing teams, often visiting them during the off season. Billie was the perfect hostess throughout her life - always making sure her guests were comfortable and well fed. She loved to cook and always seemed to have David's favorite cake on hand, a pound cake with caramel icing. She was self-sacrificing, generous, quick wit and fun!

She certainly will be missed by her family and friends.

Honorary pallbearers will be Phil Ellen, Chad Lambert, David Clokey, III, Jimmy Clokey, and Will Clokey.

The family is grateful for the loving care of her sisters - Linda Davis, Mary Hyatt, Wana Carroll, Robin Powers, Kathy Lindsay and Cristy Smith.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests any donations be made to Rainbow Presbyterian Church, 3220 Rainbow Drive, Rainbow City, AL 35906: or to The Gideons International, Gadsden Camp, P.O. Box 1161 Gadsden, AL (35902-1161).

A memorial service will be held at Rainbow Presbyterian Church, 3220 Rainbow Drive, Rainbow City, Alabama on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. The family will receive friends beginning at 1:30 at the church. A private burial in Forrest Cemetery will be held prior to the service.