Billie Jean Parker Bohler passed away Wednesday morning, November 28, at Ogeechee Area Hospice in Statesboro, Ga. “Miss Billie” was born on January 17, 1928 to Lee Roy and Evelyn Lorraine Waters Parker in Statesboro.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dr. Charles Emory Bohler; her parents, her brother Kenneth Roy Parker, and her son-in-law James David Childree.
She is survived by her children, Rene Bohler Childree of Brooklet, GA, Ellen (AJ) Bohler Anderson of Fort Lauderdale, FL, Matt Bohler of Atlanta and Tim (Christy) Bohler of Statesboro. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren, Jonathan David Childree of Statesboro, Jeanna Lorraine Childree of Chicago, IL and Preston Lanier Bohler of Statesboro. Many in-laws, nieces and nephews also survive to honor her memory.
A perfect example of a true Southern Lady, Miss Billie was a kind and thoughtful Christian. She conducted a personal card ministry for many years, sending birthday greetings, anniversary congratulations, sympathy messages, and words of support and love to friends, family and acquaintances. She was a faithful and active member of Brooklet United Methodist Church since 1955. In that role, she was a member of the United Methodist Women and Sunday school classes, serving tenures as secretary and in other support roles of her church.
Mrs. Bohler was a graduate of Statesboro High School and attended business college in Atlanta, then worked as a secretary for Swift and Co. in their Atlanta office. While on a visit home from there, she was introduced to a young medical student, Emory Bohler, who became the love of her life. They married June 24, 1951 and moved to Brooklet to set up his practice and their lifetime home in 1955.
She was an active member of the Auxiliary of the Medical Association of Georgia, the spousal support group to this organization, and the Auxiliary of the Ogeechee River Medical Society, the local organization. She was a constant figure at Dr. Bohler’s side in the many roles they served locally, for the state of Georgia and the American Medical Association, including that of Georgia’s First Lady of Medicine while Dr. Bohler served as president of MAG. She welcomed to Bulloch Co. many young physicians and their spouses, always going out of her way to make them feel at home and included.
As a native of Bulloch County, Miss Billie supported the Bulloch County Historical Society, the Averitt Center for the Arts, The Botanical Garden and Georgia Southern University, the Brooklet Garden Club and Forest Heights Country Club. She loved tailgating for GSU football and attended games with Dr. Bohler and her children from the inception of the program until this year, when her health prevented her participation. As well, she enjoyed the Statesboro Bulldog Club and looked forward to the social activities of that organization. She and Dr. Bohler were strong boosters of Southeast Bulloch High School for many years.
Those who were graced to be her family and friends quickly developed an appreciation for her subtle dry humor and quick wit. She was a real Steel Magnolia. She held herself and those she loved to a high standard of behavior, yet she was not one to judge or speak ill of anyone, accepting people where they were and for what and who they were.
She loved to travel and she and Dr. Bohler enjoyed their trips around the country and the world with friends and family. Family vacations in Fernandina Beach were a special time for her. Family reunions were opportunities to catch up with those she loved. Staying in touch with family and sharing favorite memories and family history enabled her to keep younger generations in touch with their roots. Shopping was a favorite hobby and led friends of her children to ask to be adopted! She loved Christmas time, lunches and Friday night suppers with her Brooklet friends, and any opportunity to go. She will be missed daily by those who loved her.
Her children would like to express sincere appreciation to The Lodge at Bethany, Ogeechee Area Hospice, and the sitters and caretakers in those locations and at home for the care and love shown to our mother. So many from this time became like family and we are forever grateful.
Visitation will be Friday evening from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at Hodges Moore Funeral Home, 22757 Hwy 80 East, Statesboro, GA.
The celebration of Miss Billie’s life will take place Sat. at 11:00 AM at the Brooklet United Methodist Church with Reverend Chip Grantham officiating.
The burial will follow in Brooklet City Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be her great nephews, Garrett Alford, Judson Alford, Mitchell Bohler, Sam Booth, Gordon Hunter and John Millican.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Dr. Charles Emory Bohler Scholarship (https://cosm.georgiasouthern.edu/advisement/student-resources/scholarships/), Brooklet United Methodist Church, The Lodge at Bethany, Ogeechee Area Hospice, The American Cancer Society or any charity of your choice.
Please visit our online memorial at www.hodgesmoore.com to sign the guest book and share fond memories with the Bohler family.
Hodges-Moore Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements.
