Billie was born August 5th, 1920, to William D and Emma Shupe. She was known as a Godly and loving individual who touched the lives of many. A 1938 graduate of Orlando High School, she later went on to serve in the Army as a Master Sergeant during WWII. During her service she was chosen to model the WAC uniforms for recruitment. After the war she married Ralph M “Doc” Saunders in 1944, and they raised 5 children. After they both retired, they spent 18 years traveling all over the United States, Canada and Nova Scotia.
She had the privilege of attending the Honor Flight of Central Florida, at the age of 99, where she was able to visit the War Memorials in Washington D.C.
Billie attended services at Downtown Baptist Orlando; (formerly First Baptist Church Orlando), where she was a member for 70+ years.
She was preceded in death by her parents Bill and Miss Emma; brother William Jr; sister Janie; and her husband “Doc”.
She is survived by her children, Cookie and her husband Bill; Emmalee and her husband Julian; Ralph “Sandy” and his wife Gaye; Grant and his wife Anne; Sylvette and her husband Kris; 6 grandchildren; Tyler, Stephanie, Brian, Emily, Kaitlyn, Justin and 7 great-grand children; Kenley “Laurel”, RJ, Taylor, Ella, Logan, Parker and Braxton.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM, April 13th at Downtown Baptist Orlando, 120 E Pine St, Orlando FL, 32801. Contributions can be made to Downtown Baptist Orlando or AdventHealth Hospice Care 480 W Central Parkway, Altamonte Springs FL 32714.
To attend virtually please go to: https://boxcast.tv/view/celebration-of-life-xel8dxqhjiafsdcvlpxy.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18