Billie was born to the late Gladys Marie Hargrove and Jenkins Sorrells on October 31, 1936 in Austin, TX.
She attended Austin public schools and graduated from Anderson High School where she was head Majorette.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Jenkins and Gladys Sorrells; daughter, Patricia Rusk; and brothers, Benny Lee Sorrells, and Carl Jenkins Sorrells Jr.
In August, 1953 Billie married Herman Wilkins and to this union 5 children were born: Evelyn Fentress, Patricia Rusk, (Deceased) Sandra Houston, (Jerry), Michelle Small, (Anthony), and Gladys Budd, (Richard).
She professed and accepted Christ at an early age at McKinley Heights Church of God in Christ and was baptized under the leadership of Reverend R.A. Grant. She later joined Mims Chapel Church of God in Christ under the Auspices of Pastors Carlton Mims and Michael Mims and served faithfully until serious health problems rendered her unable to be active.
Billie loved the Lord and her passion was children. She raised and fostered over 75 children. Her door was always open even to strangers. She would take children camping near and far. She loved the outdoors, camping, fishing, working in her yard, (she had the best yard in the neighborhood). She loved Wheel of Fortune and the Price is Right and watched them daily on television and was a participant on both shows; the Price is Right three times.
She worked solo and tirelessly with her Drill team, “Youth on the Move for Christ”. They have been on television, radio stations, newspapers, local churches, and throughout the state and nation spreading the Gospel with Scripture based cheers. She wrote the cheers and choreographed them; anyone could join and no one was turned away. She personally financed and chaperoned the children for all events.
Sister Black leaves to cherish her memory her four daughters: Evelyn, Sandra, Michelle and Gladys; sixteen grandchildren, thirty-six great grandchildren, and sixteen great-great grandchildren, and a host of relatives and friends.
