Billie Nalls

May 12, 1939 — June 2, 2024

Billie Nalls, age 85 of Fayette AL, passed away on Sunday, June 02, 2024, at her residence. Services for Mrs. Nalls will be Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at First Baptist Church on MLK Drive, at 12:00 p.m. Visitation will be one hour prior to service time. She will lie in state on Monday, June 10, 2024, at Norwood-Wyatt Chapel from 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Norwood-Wyatt Chapel will be directing the service.

Billie Jo Wilson Nalls was born on Friday, May 12, 1939, in Fayette, AL. She was the first and only child born to Mattie Wilson and Elmer Baylum. Her mother was called home to glory when Billie was around three years old. She was then under the care of her grandmother, Mrs. Stella Prewitt Wilson, whom she referred to as “MiMi.” She also spent time with her father and her other grandmother, Mrs. Annie Sparks, whom she referred to as Mama Annie.

Billie learned how to work hard at a very young age. She washed dishes by standing on a wooden box and washed clothes by boiling them in an iron pot. When her “Mi Mi’s” health started to fail, she would miss school to take care of her. Her aunt, Mrs. Annie Mae Wilson Cochran moved them in with her so she could take care of them when Billie was around eight years old.

Once in the home of Mrs. Cochran, Billie was where she was supposed to be. Mrs. Cochran, known as Mama Sweet, became her mother and brought her up with her two daughters. The love and bond between Mama Sweet and Billie Jo was something special to behold.

Billie accepted Christ shortly after coming to live with Mama Sweet and united with First Baptist Church where she served in many capacities. She was church musician, and she also sang so beautifully. She was a Matron member, president, and counselor over the years. She was a part of the missionary society and supported all special occasions, traveled with the Pastor, and played piano for other churches. She also worked in the Canaan-Pickensville District and played piano for the Women’s Auxiliary.

Billie was educated in the Fayette County School System. She attended Fayette County Training School and graduated with the Class of 1957.

Billie married Trennon Roy Nalls on February 12, 1961. Three sons were born to this union.

Billie worked various jobs. She was a babysitter, took in laundry and ironing, and worked in various homes. She was the first black person hired to the garment plant. She later worked for Continental Telephone Company, the embroidery plant, and worked in the Probate Tag Office at the Fayette County Courthouse where she stayed until retirement.

Billie is preceded in death by her birth mother and father, both grandmothers, her husband, Trennon R. Nalls, her sons: Christopher Nalls, Duncan Eric Nalls, and Dudley Trent Nalls, her mother that raised her, Mrs. Annie Cochran, and sister, Willie Ruth McCollum.

Billie leaves to cherish her memories, her bonus daughter, Brenda McCollum; her daughter-in-law, Gwendolyn Hughes Nalls; six grandsons: Heath Bynum, Keith Bynum, Kenneth Hughes (Nakietha), Andre Compton, Marvin Branyon, Marcus Branyon; two granddaughters: Chishanna Nalls, Shatrenda Nalls Simien (Jimmie); 33 great grandchildren: Deja, Olivia, Taraji, Deja, Latrell, Caleb, Caitlyn, Kassandra, Shamiya, SeDeja, Allison (Pedro), Kenyon, Kendale, Aidyn, Darius, Lil’ Dre, Makayla, Austin, Dustin, Quilen, Tyshawn, Troy, Remi, Trestin, Jimmie, Chieph, Supreme, Gabriella, Nevaeh, Mikel, Ma’liek, MaKein and Ava; five great-great grandchildren; one sister, Willie Mae Foxworth, Detroit, MI; three aunts: Pearlie Mae Robinson, Mary Jane Wilson, Jennie Mae Hughes; three sisters-in-law: Mittie Nalls, Anne Nalls Peoples, Billie Jean Nalls; special friend: Janice Sparks “Janna Bell,” a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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Billie Nalls

May 12, 1939 — June 2, 2024

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