Billie Jo Burnette

Billie Jo Shipley Burnette, 72, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, November 17th, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on December 10th, 1952, she was the daughter of the late Holiday and Mary Alice Shipley. Billie was beautiful, funny, independent, and strong-willed, with a tremendous love for her family. She was preceded in death by her sisters Rosella Lyons, Ann Wortman, and Maggie Gabel. She is survived by her siblings Christine “Cheeco” Haynes and Freddie Shipley.

Billie dedicated many years of her working life to NK Lawn and Garden, and later to providing compassionate care to the residents of Martin Boyd Christian Home. After retiring, she remained at home to lovingly care for her mother, Mary Alice, until her passing.

She was a devoted mother to her two sons, Billy (Debbie) Burnette and Steve (Patti) Burnette. Billie was immensely proud of her boys—she loved to tell everyone she met just how deeply she loved them and how proud she was of the men they had become. Her family was truly her world.

Billie was also a beloved “Nanny” to her seven grandchildren: Ashley (Eddie) Burnette of Dunlap; Kayla (Brandon) Murray of Cleveland; Stephen (Taylor) Burnette of Chattanooga (her #1 favorite grandson); Emily (Cody) Swanson of Chattanooga; Stephanie (John) Franks of Hixson; Jessica (Dorian) Chung of Ringgold; and Araya (Ryan) Burnette of Ringgold, GA.

She was overjoyed to become a great-grandmother and cherished all 18 of her great-grandchildren. She was so proud of every one of them.

Billie had a deep love for flowers and plants—a passion rooted in her years at NK. You could call her and describe nearly any bloom or seed, and often she knew exactly what it was without even seeing it. She adored all things pink and had a special fondness for butterflies.

She also loved to travel, especially to the beach, where she enjoyed the peaceful sunsets.

Billie’s spirit was sweet and full of life. She was beautiful inside and out, always ready with laughter, stories, a little bit of spice, and endless love. She taught something special to everyone she encountered and left a lasting impression on every heart she touched.

Though she has gone ahead of us, we know she will continue watching over her family every day.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, November 21st, at 4:30 p.m. at Tyner Cemetery.

To our sweet, loving Nanny—Billie Jo—this isn’t goodbye, but see you later. Watch over us until we meet again. We love you forever. For as long as we live, our Nanny you’ll be.