Shirley Billings

After 89 years of loving her family and her Savior, Shirley May Billings left this Earth for her heavenly home on September 19, 2024. Born the only daughter of William and Emma Shepherd in Pontiac, Illinois, Shirley spent her early years in Kentucky until moving to Davison where she met the love of her life and future husband, Rex. After overcoming scarlet fever, Shirley and Rex were married on March 29, 1952 as high-school sweethearts, and began their 72-year love story together. They later added three sons, Robin, Rex, and Mark and enjoyed many cross-country adventures including winters spent in Florida. Every summer she and Rex traveled with their three sons on amazing camping trips in Northern Michigan and Canada, traveling around the entire length of Lake Superior one memorable summer. A gifted seamstress and crocheter, Shirley shared her talents with all those around her by making many treasured gifts and fashionable clothes. Shirley was an active member of the church for many years and was rooted solidly in her Christian faith. Shirley is survived by her husband, Rex Billings; their sons, Robin (Esther) Billings and Rex (Mary) Billings; three grandchildren, Rebecca (Neil) Davey, Tiffany (fiance Jose Rosales) Billings, and Ethan (Carly) Billings; three great-grandsons, Diethelm Billings, Lockeland Billings, and Henry Weir; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Stan Shepherd and Bill Shepherd; her son, Mark A. Billings; and her great-granddaughter, Opal Billings. While she will be deeply missed, we rejoice in knowing that she is now with her Savior, where we will one day be together in joy for eternity. There will be a celebration of Shirley's life at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at the Crystal Church of the Brethren (3982 Crystal Rd, Crystal). To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Shirley's online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Christiansen’s Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Greenville, 616-754-5638. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Shirley Billings, please visit our flower store.