Lorelle Osborne Billingsley

Lorelle Osborne Billingsley, 100, passed away on Dec. 12, in Oak Ridge at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Mary Ellen and Larry Reynolds, where she had lived for the past nine years.

She was born Oct. 7, 1912, in Nashville to parents James Frank Osborne and Mary Ellen Bryant Osborne.

She was the oldest member (and at 73 years the longest-standing member) of the Jackson Park Church of Christ in Nashville. She was able to attend a celebration of her 100th birthday there on Oct. 7 in conjunction with the 80th Anniversary Homecoming of the church.

Her 100th birthday was also celebrated with family and friends in Oak Ridge on Oct. 21 at the Providence House of Highland View Church of Christ.

Mrs. Billingsley was very active in her church and taught Sunday school, drove for Meals-on-Wheels, and helped in the benevolent work. She always put others first. She was a wonderful Southern cook, and countless delicious meals were served at her dining room table.

She was preceded in death by her husband Robert Billingsley; her son Robert Billingsley Jr.; and her brothers Vernon and Frank Osborne.

She is survived by her daughter Mary Ellen (Larry) Reynolds; grandchildren Kathy (Brad) Bell, Jeff (Julie) Reynolds, and Greg (Rebecca) Reynolds; great-grandchildren Parker Bell, Cooper Bell, Catherine Humphreys, Mark Humphreys, Natalie Reynolds, and Ben Reynolds.

The funeral was held in Nashville on Saturday, Dec. 15 at Phillips-Robinson Funeral Home with burial at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens.

Weatherford Mortuary was in charge of the local arrangements. An online guest book can be signed at www.weatherfordmortuary.com.