Billie Sue Smith

With hearts filled with both sorrow and gratitude, we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved matriarch, Billie Sue Smith, age 93, of Knoxville, Tennessee, on Sunday, August 3, 2025. She departed this earthly home surrounded by the love that defined her remarkable life.

For more than five decades, Billie was a devoted and cherished member of Meridian Baptist Church, where her unwavering faith served as a beacon of hope and inspiration to all who knew her. She was also a proud and active member of the Eastern Star, embracing the values of charity, truth, and loving-kindness that guided her every step.

A distinguished graduate of Young High School's Class of 1950, Billie served with honor as a member of the color guard, including the historic privilege of marching in the parade that celebrated the opening of the "Secret City" of Oak Ridge, Tennessee—a moment that would become one of many treasured chapters in her extraordinary life story.

To know Billie Sue was to experience pure joy. She possessed that rare and beautiful gift of making everyone she encountered feel truly special and deeply loved. Her genuine warmth, infectious laughter, and boundless kindness had the remarkable power to transform ordinary moments into treasured memories. With her radiant smile that could illuminate any room and her endless collection of stories that would leave you laughing long after the telling, she had an uncanny ability to lift spirits and touch hearts wherever she went.

Billie's devotion to her beloved husband Jack was legendary, as was her fierce love for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, whom she placed at the very center of her world. Her generous heart extended far beyond her family, touching countless lives through acts of service, friendship, and compassion. She was renowned for her legendary shopping adventures and her incredible talent for finding the perfect gift for every occasion.

With her trusty box of safety pins and scissors always within reach, Billie lovingly crafted countless handmade blankets, each one a tangible expression of her caring heart. These beautiful creations warmed not only her family but also extended to friends and anyone in need of comfort. And who could forget her iconic, expressive glasses that became as much a part of her personality as her warm embrace? The family scrapbooks stand as a testament to her fabulous flair and zest for life throughout the decades.

Her final words of wisdom echo in our hearts: "When you kiss your loved ones, always remember… never just once." This sentiment perfectly captures the depth of love and intentionality with which she approached every relationship.

Billie leaves behind an immeasurable legacy of faith, kindness, laughter, and unconditional love—treasures that will continue to warm our hearts and guide our paths for generations to come.

Billie was welcomed home by her devoted husband, Jack O'Keefe Smith; her loving parents, Robert and Sarah Murphy; her dear brothers, Gene Murphy and Thomas Murphy; her cherished sister, Agnes Talley; and her beloved grandson, Jackson Smith.

Billie's memory will be forever cherished by her loving children, daughter, DeeAnne (Lance) Baird; son, Mike (Angie) Smith; daughter, Jacque (Joe) Rees. Her legacy continues through her adored grandchildren, Michael Robert (Leslie) Guttke, Sarah (Christian) Kolbe, Becky (Andrew) Quilliams, Megan (Joseph) Andersen, Julia (Boone) Mitchell, Emily (Coleton) Wenz, and Sarah (Nicholas) Watson. She also leaves behind ten precious great-grandchildren: Sophia, Evelyn, Harper, Cora, Alina, John, Beau, Emersyn, Joseph, Rhett, and one more little blessing on the way.

Family and friends will gather at Berry Funeral Home, 3704 Chapman Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920, to honor the life and legacy of Billie on Saturday, August 9, 2025, with a visitation from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, with a funeral service to follow at 1:30 PM. Family and friends will go in procession to Berry Highland South Cemetery, 9010 E. Simpson Road, Knoxville, TN 37920, for the committal service. Rev. Dana Fachman will officiate the services. In lieu of flowers, the family would suggest a donation in Billie's honor to Mobile Meals Kitchen, 1747 Reynolds Street, Knoxville, TN 37921. This organization beautifully reflects Billie's lifelong commitment to serving others and ensuring that everyone feels cared for and loved. Online condolences and fond memories may be shared with the Smith family at www.berryfuneralhome.com.

Berry Funeral Home

3704 Chapman Highway

Knoxville, TN 37920

865-577-6666

.