Emily Broadnax-Billingly

The Legacy of Mrs. Emily Broadnax-Billingly

After 102 years on this earth, God quietly summoned Mother Emily Broadnax-Billingly unto Himself, presented her with her glorious wings, and declared, “Well done, my good and faithful servant; Come unto me and rest on my bosom.” On August 19, 2023, Momma Emily answered God’s call and transitioned from this earth to eternity to be with the Lord. Amen!

Emily Broadnax was born on June 2, 1921, to the late John Henry Broadnax, Sr., and Elizabeth Thompson-Broadnax in Camden, Arkansas. She was the oldest of three children born to this union.

Around the age of 21, Emily united in marriage to M.C. Billingly, and to this union two sons were born, Earnest Billingly, and Jerome Billingly, who faithfully cared for her until she received her wings.

As the years passed, Mother Emily was blessed with two stepdaughters, Jacqueline Bolton, Pamela Baker and two stepsons, Robert McCree, and Samuel Billingly.

In 1945, she attended the Cosmetic Therapy School of Monroe, Louisiana, graduating in September 1946.  She owned and operated her own cosmetology business in Camden, Arkansas for many years until retirement.

Momma Emily accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at a very early age and united with Greater St. Paul Baptist Church. Then a few years later, she encountered the Holy Spirit, thereby uniting with Velie Church of God in Christ, where she remained until her journey to eternity.  Though she was not physically able to attend church, she still sang her songs, praised her God, and loved her family, friends, and others.

Momma Emily was preceded in death by her parents, John Henry Broadnax, Sr., and Elizabeth Thompson-Broadnax, her son, Earnest Billingly, stepson, Robert McCree, two brothers, John and Earnest Broadnax, five half-brothers, and two half-sisters.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories with her son, Jerome (Bettie) Billingly of El Dorado, AR; three bonus children, Jacqueline Bolton of Memphis, TN; Pamela Baker of Camden, AR; Samuel Billingly of Maumelle, AR; eight grandchildren, Jerome Nunn of Minneapolis, MN; Nick (Kennia) Anderson of Little Rock, AR; Dana (Gene) McGinister of Saltillo, MS; Serena (Shawn) Nunn-McCullers of Atlanta, GA; Myra Patterson-Gunter of Camden, AR; Keri (Skylar) Jackson of Los Angeles, CA; Charlita Nunn of Atlanta, GA; and Kathe Hamilton of Los Angeles, CA; fifteen great-grandchildren, Sadaesha Nunn, Jerome Nunn, II, Romesha Nunn, Shytaela Nunn, Nyah Anderson, Noah Anderson, Jarius McGinister, Kendra Patterson, Brittney Haynie, Myron Gunter, Serenity Harris-Nunn, Joshua Jackson, Simone Jackson, Miles Jackson, Mauri Jenkins, and Kayla Hamilton; seven great-great-grandchildren; Jaden, Cason, Armoni, Czance, Zuri, Milyon and Sole’.  She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.  

Public visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 25, 2023, at Williams Funeral Home Van Buren. A celebration of her life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday August 26, 2023 at Velie COGIC, 1415 AR-7, Camden, AR 71701, with Elder Earl Green, eulogist. The interment will be at St. Mary Cemetery.

Active Pallbearers will be Bro. Freddie Billings, Bro. George Daniels, Bro. Roy Billings, Bro. Jerry Hawkins, Bro. Lonnie Gill and Bro. John Hay. Honorary pallbearers will be Rev. Eddie Ray Moore, Rev. Randolph Hegwood, Bro. Wesley Broadnax, Bro. Kelvin Bernard Hollins and Bro. Donald McKnight Sr.