Billie Garris Hall

Billie Joyce Browning Garris Hall, age 96, of Raleigh, NC passed away on August 23, 2026. Billie was born in Durham, NC on 2/11/1930 and lived most of her life there until moving to Raleigh in 2016 to be near her daughter. She graduated from Durham High School in 1948 and then married O.V. Garris, Jr in 1949. They became proud parents of Marcia Garris Miedema of Raleigh and Gina Ann Garris of Knoxville, TN. They were married until OV’s early death in 1973. Billie later married William K Hall in 1983 and they were together until Bill’s death in 2005.

Billie worked in the banking industry beginning at Wachovia Bank in the early 1950’s in downtown Durham. She stayed home with her girls for few years but returned to banking with Home Savings and Loan and then BB&T where she was a Vice President in the savings division at the time of her retirement in 1987.

Billie especially enjoyed gardening, reading, knitting and embroidery. She was such a good cook and never missed an opportunity to prepare a meal for anyone in need. She even remarked during her last hospital stay that when she recovered she would make cookies for the staff on WakeMed’s 4th floor step down unit! She was awed by their kindness and support and, of course, her way of saying thank you would be a sweet treat. She always looked forward to visits from her neighbors who have supported her consistently through these past few months. Billie was so grateful that her friends watered her flowers and sent messages to lift her spirits.

Billie was probably best known and will be forever remembered for her faith in God. She was raised in the church and was a vital participant and organizer in a multitude of church activities throughout her life at Homestead Heights, Greystone and Bayleaf churches. Billie had the opportunity to be a part of a mission group to Thailand which she said was one of the highlights of her life. Her persistent desire to share God’s word was evident until her last breath with How Great Thou Art playing in the background.

Billie was always proud to talk about her daughters Marcia (Allen Miedema) and Gina (Jeff Mahan) or her grandchildren Marissa Gilliland, Kyle Gilliland (Brandi), Lauren Bobrowski (Spencer) and Lindsey Watson (Eric). Her enthusiasm was magnified when sharing the latest activities of her 10 great grandchildren; Mason Hartford, Presley Hartford, Collin Gilliland, Parker Gilliland, Jude Bobrowski, Jennings Bobrowski, Josie Brobrowski, Stark Watson, Garris Watson and Stetson Watson.

In addition to her husbands, Billie was predeceased by her parents Carl and Bertha Browning, her siblings Marie Browning and James Browning as well as her nephew Mike Browning.

A graveside service will be held for family and close friends on Monday, August 31, 2026, at 10 AM at Woodlawn Cemetery in Durham, NC. Flowers will be lovingly accepted given Billie’s love for flowers, but if you prefer to remember her in a different way, please consider a small donation to Transition Lifecare Center, Raleigh, NC or The American Heart Association.