Billie Everett Ray

Billie Jean Everett Ray, beloved Mother, Grandmother and Great-grandmother, passed away on November 6, 2022, with her family by her side.  She was cherished by her six children, Mary Rockett Brock (John), James Lowell Rockett (Paula), David Everett Rockett (Debbie), Rebecca Rockett Shillinglaw (Drew), Robert Stephen Rockett (deceased 1983) and Linda Rockett Springer (Charles).

This strong and influential woman could not have been more proud of her grandchildren:  Rebecca (Becky) Brock Dixon (Adam), Jennifer Rockett Lizenby (Bart), John F Brock IV (Tracy), Lisa Rockett Huntington (Courtney), Shannon Shillinglaw McIntosh (David), Lacey Rockett Melton (Joshua), Stephen Rockett (Maggie), Chambliss Shillinglaw (Harriott), Major Brock (Morgan), Anna Rockett Pryor (Chris), Adam Rockett (Jennifer), Katherine Rockett (Ben), Dent Shillinglaw, Joseph Rockett, John Rockett, James Rockett (Kaitlyn), Natalie Rockett, Amber Springer and Dustin Springer.

GG was embraced by 29 (and counting) great-grandchldren:  Lunden Lizenby, Bryce Lizenby, Noah Melton, Jude Melton, John V (Quinn) Brock, Everett (Eva) Dixon, Isabella Huntington, Beau Asher Lizenby, David McIntosh, Leighton Brock, Lily Dixon, Everett (Evie) Lizenby, Amos Melton, Stephen McIntosh, Lexi Brock, William Pryor, Mary McIntosh, Olive Rockett, Ellis Pryor, Everett Pryor, Major Dixon, Mason Brock, Adeline Rockett, Birdie Rockett, Rowan Rockett, Eleanor Rockett, Mary Rockett, Benjamin Huntington and Lillian Rockett.

Mrs. Billie was a strong Christian woman, who put God and Family first, but also took her responsibility as a caretaker of the greater world to heart.  She instilled in her six children that giving to others was something they should absolutely always embrace.  The tithe came first.  Always have a savings account.  Never fail to serve your church.  Support your children’s schools. Join service clubs. Take casseroles to others whenever needed.  Take leadership positions whenever possible.  Always have opinions.  Voice them when useful.  Ask even many of her great-grandchildren, and these statements would emerge from the youngest. 

Billie Everett was a force even as the youngest of 12 children. From directing the music of the congregation at Caledonia Baptist Church while in high school to her final days as a committed “giver” to the First Baptist Church of Monroe’s new sanctuary, she was THERE as a participant and influencer. 

To meet Mrs. Billie even once made a life-long impression.  From her 71 (and counting) descendants, and their friends who were impacted by Billie Ray, what a wonderful world this will continue to be. 

While multiple organizations that Billie Ray headed and/or supported could be listed and communities from Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana could be named, suffice it to say that when she entered the heavenly gates, God said “well done” to a cherished woman whose influence will continue through generations. 

Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Wednesday, November 9, 2022, at First Baptist Church, Monroe with Rev. James Doughty officiating. Interment will follow at Arlington Memorial Park Cemetery in El Dorado, AR. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM Tuesday, November 8, 2022, at Mulhearn Funeral Home, Monroe.

Pallbearers will be John F Brock, Major S Brock, Adam L Rockett, James E Rockett, John Calvin Rockett, Stephen D Rockett, Chambliss Shillinglaw, and Dent Shillinglaw.

Honorary pallbearers will be Joseph E Rockett, Dustin Springer, Rob Garner, Mike Swinney, Mike Hartt and the Deacons of the First Baptist Church. 

Memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church Building Fund, 201 St. John St., Monroe, LA 71201.

Online registry/condolences: www.mulhearnfuneralhome.com

Mulhearn Funeral Home Monroe, Louisiana