Billie Sue Blough

On Thursday, October 6th, 2022, Billie Sue Blough, known as “Sissy” to some of her family, started her last and greatest adventure, the journey into eternity. At the time of her death, she was 74 years old and living in Knoxville, TN, at the Island Home Park nursing home.

Billie was born on October 19, 1947, in Century City, Florida. She accomplished quite a few things in her life. Billie was a nurse. She taught at several Christian schools, helped to start three of them, and was an administrator for two of them. She went back to school at the end of the 1990’s and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Programming, with Honors, working for a few years as a computer programmer. She was also a minister for most of her life, especially to children, which was her first and greatest passion.

Billie was preceded in death by her father, Billie Hiram “Bill” Blough, and her mother, Jeannette M Landrum, both of whom lived in Sumrall, MS, at the time of their deaths. She is survived by her sister, Jimmie Shackelford, of Metairie, LA; her ex-husband, Travis Coy Rayborn, of Gautier, MS; her son, Donald “Gene” Blough, of Oak Ridge, TN; and her daughter, Laura Rayborn, of Houston, TX, as well as her 12-year-old chihuahua-dachshund, Rexie (Billie would never forgive us if we did not mention Rexie, as well).

Those who knew Billie often commented on her sharp mind, quick wit, great faith, and huge heart. She was always ready to pray with and for anyone she sensed needed it and was known to approach complete strangers to ask them if they needed prayer, if she felt the Lord prompting her to do so. As much as she loved people, though, her first and greatest love was always her Savior, Jesus the Christ.

Billie’s memorial and celebration of life will be held at Summit Church; 200 Sugar Hollow Road; Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, on Sunday, October 23, 2022, at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Please message her son Gene at (865) 361-2775 to let him know if you are able to attend, as the church is needing an approximate count to be able to properly accommodate everyone. A florist who can handle flowers for that day is Little Pigeon Florist, at (865) 428-0614. Ask for Jill. She does ask that orders be placed as soon as possible, for the same reason.

You are invited to share a personal memory of Billie or your condolences with her family at her online memorial located at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral Home of Athens and the Cody family are honored to assist the family with these arrangements.