Billie Tullos

Mrs. Billie Lee (Johnson) Tullos, 91, passed away March 13, 2021 at Castlewoods Place, Brandon after a brief illness.   She was born on October 29, 1929 and always when giving her birth date, would say “I started the Great Depression” as that was the day of the infamous stock market crash of 1929.   She was born in Felsenthal, Arkansas to William Roland Johnson and Florence Langston Johnson.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 41 years, former Jackson Chief of Police, Lavell Tullos; son, Mike Tullos; sister, Sybil (Johnson) Tullos and husband Vernon, sister in law Peggy Bullard and husband Perry; brothers in law Jerome Tullos and Larry Tullos.

She is survived by her daughters, Judi Tullos Sharpe of Madison, Nan Tullos Davis of Smyrna, GA; son Joel Lee Tullos of Brandon, and daughter in law Barbara Tullos of Puckett.  Grandchildren Nina Sharpe (Nick), Atlanta GA, John Marc Sharpe (RP), New Orleans; Barrett Sharpe (Rita) Gluckstadt; Mary Kathryn Tullos Sharpe, Jackson; Tracy May (Doug) Puckett; Tracy’s mother Shirley Mann, Byron Tullos (Laura) Durango, CO; Shealyn Jones (Wes) Puckett; Tyler Davis (Tristan), Asheville, NC; Meredith Rikard (Jason) Smyrna, GA.  In addition, she was blessed with 15 great-grandchildren, ALL of whom she loved and adored.

She is also survived by her brothers Rex Johnson and Ray Johnson of Little Rock, AR; brothers in law George Tullos (Ruby) and James Tullos (Ann) Brandon; and sister in law Sue Tullos, Pelahatchie.   She was proud of her large family and dearly loved her many nieces and nephews.   She was affectionately known by many names to all of us.  Billie Lee, Shortie, Mother, Mom, Aunt Billie, Mrs. Beasley, and Memaw.

She was born at home, raised and attended school in Felsenthal, Arkansas. After she married, Mississippi became her home.  While growing up she was baptized at age 6 at Felsenthal Baptist Church and later became homecoming queen of Huttig High School.

When Billie and Lavell married, they moved to Magee where they lived with his family.  He was the oldest of six younger siblings still at home and she became instantly endeared to them all.   Upon starting their family and moving to Jackson, Billie was the original version of a supermom.  She worked as medical office manager for thoracic surgeon, Dr. H. K. Stauss in Jackson while raising her family (and sometimes his).  In addition, she was president of PTA, the Jackson Policewives Auxiliary and numerous other roles.  She was a wonderful wife, homemaker and seamstress and loved every minute of all that she took on through the years.

Upon moving to Hermanville after Lavell’s retirement, Billie continued to stay busy with church and school activities for son Joel,  as well as the Homemakers and Extension Club and Hermanville Baptist Church.   They truly enjoyed their life in the country.  Their property there was a wonderful home place, deer camp, overnight camp for children, grandchildren and adults and became a favorite site for family gatherings, including Thanksgiving dinner which often numbered over 50 guests!

Billie had an incredible memory until very late in life and was an excellent family historian and storyteller.  She had a wonderful gift for Christian hospitality and friendship with a fun personality and infectious laugh.  She was a proud member of DAR and keeper of family genealogy and memories.   A trusted friend and loving confidant to so many, she was ….”everybody’s mama”.   Billie was a charter member and church hostess of Highland Colony Baptist Church, known for her wonderful cooking and generous nature to share with all.  Everyone was welcome at her table and she loved nothing more than to cook for two or twenty at a moment’s notice and often did.

Billie Tullos was so very loved and had the most charming and incredible gift for making each of us feel loved by her and special to her.  All who knew her felt very blessed by her long life and that we were part of it.  She will continue to be a pillar of strength and guidance within us as we treasure her memory in the days to come.

All are welcome to attend her service at Ott and Lee Funeral Home in Brandon, Friday March 19th.  The funeral home requests masks to be worn.   Visitation is 1-2pm, Funeral Service at 2pm and interment at Corinth Baptist Church in Magee at 4pm.   The service will not be live-streamed but available to view on Ott and Lee website for one week.