Billie Jean Atwater

She was born March 27th, 1946 to parents Mildred Isley Atwater and William Bennett Atwater. Billie was raised in Yanceyville, NC, alongside her brother, Ben Atwater, and sister, Dixie Lee Atwater. After graduating from Bartlett Yancey High school she moved to Raleigh to attend college. She graduated from North Carolina State University in 1968 with a degree in Math Education and prepared for a career as a school teacher that ended before it began after a semester of student teaching. Billie was recruited out of college to work for CP&L as an IT Analyst and later went on to work at Glaxo SmithKline where she retired in 2010. Billie is survived by two devoted children, son, Ryan Boone and daughter, Molly Boone, brother, Ben Atwater and wife Donna, and nephew Will Atwater. In the eyes of her children and many others she has been a rock. She provided endless love, support, and nagging when necessary. She is predeceased by her parents, Mildred and Bill Atwater, sister, Dixie Atwater, and aunt, Helen Isley.

She has been a source of inspiration for so many who have known her and loved her. Her positive nature shined through her diagnosis of ovarian cancer in 2003. Throughout her battle with cancer BJ remained positive and strong for her family and all those around her. She was resilient and refused to let cancer define who she was. She loved to shop and travel, especially when she could do both at the same time. She particularly loved a quest to find the perfect gift, fabric, or home décor item whether for herself or others. Billie was an animal lover, whether it was her two dogs, Banjo and Maddie, or the raccoons that conveniently managed to eat like kings in her garage.

Billie was a loving mother, sister, daughter and friend who will be missed by all. A memorial service will be held at Mitchell Funeral Home on Friday August 15, 2014 at 2:00pm. The family will recieve friends at 1:00pm at Mitchell Funeral Home

In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Wake County SPCA 200 Petfinder Ln, Raleigh, NC 27603