of Memphis, TN
February 9, 1936 - July 21, 2024
Karen Love Young Billings, age 88, of Osceola, Arkansas and Memphis, Tennessee died peacefully on July 21, 2024 in full confidence of the resurrection promised by her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Karen was born February 9, 1936 to Mae Love and Andrew Welby Young in Osceola, Arkansas. She married Paul Barrett Billings on November 30, 1957.
Karen is preceded in death by her sons, B. Welby Alexander Billings (2000) and Bradford Young Billings (2017) and her husband, Paul Barrett Billings (2019). She is survived by her son, Paul Barrett Billings, Jr., (Lee) of Memphis, their children, Lane Torrence Billings of New York City and Paul Barrett Billings III (Stephanie) of Hyattsville, MD. She is also survived by her great granddaughters, Emma Caroline, Ainsley Elizabeth, Ava Marie and June Elise Billings. In addition, she is survived by B. Welby's children, Sarah Caroline Billings of New York City and Benjamin Lawrence Billings (fiance' Catherine Marie McNeill) of Oklahoma City. Additionally, she is survived by her sister, Rebecca Young Chiles (Russ) and other nieces and nephews.
Mimi, as she was known by her grandchildren, loved the Lord and was a devoted student of His Word. She was the keeper of the best snack and candy stash, gave the best hugs and had the most amazing dress up closet (her own closet). Her grandchildren remember her fondly for the fashion shows she helped them host, her ever present style, poise and grace, how she never missed an opportunity to talk about Jesus and how they could get away with anything at her house.
Karen's family were founding members of First Christian Church of Osceola, Arkansas and the church was very near and dear to her heart. She was responsible for the beautiful church Christmas decorations for years. Karen frequently and lovingly decorated and shared her home for holiday tours benefiting local nonprofits. She was the consummate and ambitious hostess for her P.E.O. chapter with the perfect table, flowers and menu.
Karen, a gifted artist, studied at Vanderbilt University and The Memphis Academy of Art.
She was a gorgeous woman with a fine aesthetic sensibility who saw beauty in everyone and in nature. She relished capturing friends and family in sketches and paintings and made everyone look more beautiful than they were. Karen knew and frequently declared that life was beautiful and God was good. She adored her cats, was a wonderful gardener, had a great eye for design, was an avid Commodores fan and relished her winters in Naples, Florida spent with old college friends.
Kindness, a love of all people and encouragement were Karen's key attributes and people loved Karen. She never missed her children's sporting events, loved to accompany them to golf tournaments and her exuberance for and encouragement of her sons from the stands could be heard from afar. It took Missy, as Paul called her, a long time to leave a party or complete an errand because she was the favorite of so many.
Karen will be honored on Monday, July 29, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at a brief graveside service at Ermen Cemetery located on Ermen Lane in Osceola, Arkansas officiated by her grandson, Pastor Paul Barrett Billings III. A 3:00 p.m. memorial service at the Chapel at St. George's Independent School at 8250 Poplar Avenue in Germantown, Tennessee will follow. Memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church, 900 W. Ford Avenue, Osceola, AR 72370 or P.E.O. International at 3700 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50312.
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16 Condolence(s)
Melissa Beasley
Friday, August 9, 2024
I love you aunt Karen and will miss you. I'm so glad to know I will see you again someday in heaven. I look forward to that day. Mom sends her love too, xoxo missy
Barbara S Weaver
Wednesday, July 31, 2024
Beautiful Lady we will miss so much. Love you and we will see you again.
Tonia Childress
Sunday, July 28, 2024
Mrs Billings was a very kind lady. She was always so kind to me and my children. I was always impressed by her classiness. She never had a hair out of place and always had a smile.
Fred and Brenda Wiseman
Sunday, July 28, 2024
All these years later, I remember her at church being so kind and beautiful. She carried herself in grace. Our hearts are with you.
Peggy Watson
Sunday, July 28, 2024
She is in heaven and with many loved ones she knew and loved. Always enjoyed her presence at church. Peggy (Morgan) Watson.
Lisa Books Ramer
Saturday, July 27, 2024
Hearing of Karen’s passing has broken my heart. Having grown up in Osceola and the First Christian Church Karen and Paul were some of my favorite people. I have so many fond memories and the Billings were part of many of them. Keeping you all in my prayers. Much love to you all.
Kim Holthouse
Saturday, July 27, 2024
My heartfelt condolences to Karen’s family. She was a lovely and very friendly lady. She had an exceptional sense of fashion and style. Prayers for all.
Deb Brooks Fites
Friday, July 26, 2024
Karen was an exceptional woman, a loyal friend to our parents, as well as a sister in Christ. When I'd visit church with my family, she could make me feel like we'd known each other forever. We're all blessed to have known her. May God comfort you all.
Mrs (wallace) Janice Colbert
Friday, July 26, 2024
Sorry to hear about this beautiful lady
Cindi Shaw England
Friday, July 26, 2024
My condolences for your loss. She was very a beautiful, elegant lady who loved her family and God. I still have the lovely ring she gave me for our high school graduation.
Tina Easley Terry
Friday, July 26, 2024
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
John (Stephen) Douglass IV and Debbie Douglass- Osceola, Ark
Friday, July 26, 2024
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. The Douglass'
BJ and Lee Bowles
Friday, July 26, 2024
Loved Ms Billings such a beautiful and elegant lady.
Prayers for your family.
Ethel May Jones Beall
Friday, July 26, 2024
So very sorry.
Sally Dunn
Friday, July 26, 2024
I’ve LOVED Karen since I was 5 years old. As a teenager, she was a fashion and food mentor to me. I will miss her terribly. Praying for peace for her family and friends.
Barbara S Weaver
Friday, July 26, 2024
You will be so missed beautiful lady. Loved you. You are with Jesus now. I'll see you again. Barbara Weaver