Billie S Rawls

Billie Scheel Rawls passed away peacefully in the morning hours of August 3, 2012 surrounded by her loving family. Just two days removed from her 82nd birthday. Mom leaves a legacy of enduring love, a sharp wit, and a southern grace that all who knew her will deeply miss. Billie was born in Tampa, Florida on Wednesday, “July 31”, 1930 to William and Bernice Scheel. Mom was always proud of her German heritage and was able to journey to the “old country” to explore her roots and look up lost family. She was the youngest sibling of her treasured family and with her passing; she has been reunited with Curt, Dudie, and Mabel. She moved to her beloved Ortega as a child and often reminisced about the trolley that ran up Baltic Avenue, the dance hall over the water next to the old Ortega Bridge, and her days at Ortega Elementary. Billie attended Robert E. Lee High School. She enjoyed telling us about being courted by all the boys, finally succumbing to the charms of one Jimmie Rawls who attended Andrew Jackson High School of all places. After several stops, including Gainesville, St. Pete, and Jasper, Billie finally moved to Perry in 1964 where she became active in her community. She served as President of the Perry Garden Club. Mom later presided as President of the Alpha Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi where she was recognized for her service by being awarded the prestigious Woman of the Year Award. After relocating back to Jacksonville in 1971, Billie became active in Parents Without Partners, ultimately serving as President for several years. Again, Mom was recognized for her service, being honored with The Parent of the Year Award. Mom then reentered the work place finally arriving at Shands Hospital where she retired from the Department of Radiology in the early 90’s. Billie was an accomplished Medical Transcriptionist and could type faster than…well…she typed really fast. I saw her do it. Though challenged throughout her life with chronic asthma, Mom never let it get the better of her and will be remembered by all who knew her as a woman who was always quick with a smile and a kind word. Mom is survived by her adoring children, Cindy Worsham (Dan), Jim Rawls (Bobbie), Bill Rawls, and Curt Rawls (Rebecca) as well as at least 9 grandchildren. She also leaves behind her lifelong friend Patsy Odom as well as her dear friends Karen Simpson and Nancy Drury. The family would also like to extend their thanks to Mom’s “favorite” niece and her husband, Laura (nee Shrewsbury) and Gary Smith, for their kindness and devotion to Aunt Billie. Please join in a celebration of Mom’s time spent with us at Hardage-Giddens Town & Country Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32205 with visitation on Thursday, August 9, 2012 from 6:00-8:00 pm with the funeral services being held at 10:00 am Friday, August 10, 2012. Interment to follow funeral services at Riverside Memorial Park. And yes Mom, we will continue to feed the cat.