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Obituary for Hallie B. Billups
Hallie Earley Billups was an amazing woman, born to Joseph and Hallye Palmer Earley in the Elmwood section of Philadelphia on October 9, 1916. She was the 3rd eldest of 5 children and was predeceased in death by her sisters, Charlotte Baylor, Alda Logan, Mary Ellis and brother Jodie Earley. She married John Billups, Jr. (deceased) and gave birth to 5 wonderful children: John, Christopher(deceased), Anthony and twins Deborah and Barbara.
Hallie was educated at West Philadelphia High School, multi-tasked raising her kids and working multiple jobs (factory worker in husband's business, hairdresser, babysitter, crossing guard, lanlord and reading aide) and then went to college when she was 50 and earned her BA in Early Childhood Education from Temple University and her masters degree from Chestnut Hill Academy when she was 57...amazing woman! After 16 years of stellar teaching she retired from the School District of Philadelphia at 66.
But retirement didn't slow her down at all...she was just getting started! She volunteered at Children's Hospital for over 10 years and used to walk there and back. Remember the blizzard of 1996 when we were all trapped in our houses because of the 36 inches of snow? Not Hallie! She walked the 2 miles there because she had to get to her "kids". She was given a Volunteer of the Year award for her selfless dedication. She also volunteered with Services for the Blind, the Gift Center at Kearsley Retirement Community where she lived (until she moved in with her daughter, Barbara) and taught sit down aerobics to the residents. She participated in Senior Olympics(and won medals), was a member of Haddington Senior Center, Senior Partners of African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas(where she's been an active member for decades), and former member of Acolyte Mothers Sponsors, Usher Board and St. Thomas Actors Guild. Yes, she dabbled in community theatre (STAG) and professional acting(movies and commercials). She also used to be a member of Wellness and Fitness Center at Lombard Senior Center where she took the bus twice as week to work out for over 2 hours. Needless to say she was the oldest regular members. She even used to walk to and from City Hall twice a week...amazing woman!
Hallie is survived by 4 children, sister-in-law Ethel Wright; daughters-in-law Barbara, Telecia and Valencia; 10 grandchildren (Jay R., Michelle, David, Jamal, Tonisia, Anthony, Lisa, Christopher, Lauren and Jonathan); 14 great-grandchildren; nieces Sheila Merritt and Sondra Logan Burgh; nephews George (Herb) Logan, David Baylor and Milton Wright; cousins David and Lynne Poindexter and a hot of great nieces and nephews.
Hallie was well loved and appreciated and will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Her final words to us before she was called home on January 15, 2013..."the Lord allowed me to enjoy your love these many years. Don't be sad, I'm not."
A Memorial Service will be held Friday, January 25, 2013 10:00 AM at the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas
