Billie Nanette (Johnson) Shory

Billie is survived by her sons: Lein Shory and his wife Shannon Cary, of Columbia, MO, and Bill Shory and his wife Michelle of Louisville; three grandchildren, Evan, Logan and Isabella; her brother, Michael Johnson, of Aiken, SC, and several nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by Nolan L Shory, her husband of 32 years; her parents William Johnson and Nana Jones; her brother Robert Johnson and his wife Mary Joyce; and her sister in law, Virginia Johnson.

Billie was born in Birmingham, Ala. on February 8, 1938, and lived there for most of her life. She graduated from Woodlawn High School, and worked for University Hospital, First Alabama Bank and the United States Defense Supply Agency. On July 8, 1968, she married Nolan Shory, and, after welcoming her two sons, dedicated her time to raising them.

Billie was a devoted mother and grandmother. She was active in the PTA and deeply involved in her sons’ education. She made many trips to visit her sons and their families, and she took each of her grandchildren (and their very willing parents) to Walt Disney World. She traveled as far as Europe, Canada, Mexico and Alaska.

She was famously dedicated to the her animals over the years - her dogs Sandy, Whitey, Ginger, and Chelsea, and cats Molly, Jacy, and Lily. She spent many hours playing Monopoly with her sons and her granddaughter, and she could instantly recall any number from the game. She was also an avid SEC football fan, though to keep the peace in later years, she would never disclose to her sons whether she favored Alabama or Auburn.

Billie successfully learned the cooking of her husband’s Lebanese heritage, and eventually won many converts to the cuisine. Overall, her cooking was known for both its duration and its spectacular results. She was especially pleased that her granddaughter had recently become at least the fourth generation to use her mother’s famous spaghetti recipe.

Born a Methodist, she converted to Catholicism when she married Nolan and attended St. George Greek Melkite Catholic Church, where she was a member of the Azara Club and served as vice president. She also attended Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, where her sons attended early elementary school.

In later years, she took devoted care of her husband, who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, and volunteered at St. Vincent’s Hospital. The family wishes to thank the many dedicated caregivers who helped both their parents through their long illnesses.

The family will welcome friends to a graveside service at Elmwood Cemetery in Birmingham on Saturday, July 25 at 10am.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, or the Imagination Library of Louisville.