Billie Joyce Newell, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and dear friend passed away at the age of 86 years old on May 28th after an extended illness.

Visitation will be Thursday, June 1, 2023, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Lowndes Funeral Home, Columbus, MS. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM in the Lowndes Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Robert Moore officiating. Interment will be in Friendship Cemetery, Columbus, MS with Lowndes Funeral Home directing.

Billie was born on October 4, 1936, to the late Walter and Evie B. Butler from Gholson, Mississippi. Billie was raised in the Butler Community where she loved the countryside and times with extended Butler family. She graduated from Shuqualak High School in 1954 and attended East Mississippi Junior College. Billie moved to Columbus in 1955 and began working at American Bosch where she met her husband, Jim. They were married on February 24, 1956, and raised their family in Columbus.

Billie was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a faithful friend and active member of Calvary Baptist Church of 57 years where she loved creating flower arrangements, decorating the church for different seasons of the year, and attending and teaching Sunday School regularly. She worked at American Bosch until her retirement in 1995. She loved sewing, cooking, and serving her family. Many of her greatest memories were in the country where she and her family would fish at the Shuqualak farm and go on camping trips to lakes in Mississippi and Alabama. Billie knew that her passing would mean being present with her Lord and was confident in her faith and shared that often.

She is survived by her husband of 67 years, John W. (Jim) Newell, daughter; Pam and husband Mike Adair, son; Dennis and wife Marcia Newell, eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren, brother, William Larry Butler, numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, cousins, and dear friends.

Memorials may be made to Butler Cemetery, 3125 Butler Road, Shuqualak, Mississippi 39361; Calvary Baptist Church, 295 Dowdle Drive, Columbus, MS, 39702 or to the charity of your choice.

The family wishes to thank Trinity Nursing Home for their love and care along with those who were able to visit, send cards and pray for her during her illness. Our family is appreciative of your love and compassion for our family during this time.