Billie Lou Sherrill Sigmon

Billie Lou Sherrill Sigmon, 91, of Charlotte NC passed away on July 23, 2021.  Billie was born in Gaston County, NC on July 1, 1930 to the late Dewey McBride Sherrill and Ruby Vera Garrison Sherrill. 

Along with her parents, she is preceeded in death by her siblings, Gene Sherrill and Barbara Sherrill Holland.  Most recently, however, her precious husband of 72 years, Lawrence Paul “Pete” Sigmon passed away on April 27, 2021 and as they always said, when one of us goes, the other will be right behind . . . No truer words.

She is survived by three children, daughter B. Paulette Sigmon Assey (spouse Philip, deceased); son, the Rev. Dr. Lawrence M. Sigmon (spouse Amy); daughter Anne Sigmon Del Tufo (spouse Wayne); grandchildren, Dr. Kristin West (spouse Cameron); Dr. Alexa Hornik (spouse Kevin); Patricia Sigmon, J.T. Del Tufo; great-grandchildren, Luke West, Tate West, and Lily Harper Hornik (due September 2021).

Billie was born the first of three children and grew up in and around Lincolnton, Iron Station, and Lenoir, NC.  She was a toddler during the Great Depression and once her younger siblings were born in the mid 1930’s, Billie had tremendous responsibility in helping raise them as her father was a truck driver and her mother worked at a mill.  She cooked, cleaned and cared for her brother and sister while being a child herself. 

Billie was a very talented singer and dancer.  As a child, she performed in many USO shows around the area.  She was always compared to Shirley Temple, a very popular child actress who was about the same age as her at the time.  Billie was known and adored all over her town and was easily recognized with her cute little freckled face, auburn hair, big brown eyes and a ball of energy. 

Billie attended Lincolnton High School where she was a proud majorette and on the yearbook staff.  Her love for English, History and Reading parlayed her into being a top student.  After graduating in 1948, she was planning to attend Bob Jones University in Greenville, SC.  Those plans changed abruptly when a few nights before she was scheduled to move for college, the love of her life, Pete Sigmon, proposed and on August 29^th they took off to York, SC and eloped.  And what a Love story they Lived.

In 1949, Billie and Pete moved to Charlotte and made that their long-time home.  Billie wanted nothing more than to be a doting wife and mother and that is exactly what she was.  She was the kind of mother who sang lullabies, cooked and baked, ironed and mended clothes, decorated for every holiday, but most importantly taught her children that they were first and foremost God’s children and she was placed to raise them as a gift from HIM.  Her love for the Lord was seen in everything she did and in all aspects of her life.

Billie so loved Cooks Memorial Presbyterian Church and was a member since 1950.  She held many roles over the last 71 years to include Sunday School and Bible School teacher, singing in the choir, active in Circle group and chaired many committees.  In 2009, she was presented the “Honorary Lifetime Membership Award” given by the Presbyterian Women of the Presbyterian Church; she was extremely proud of that achievement.

Billie found much happiness in volunteering, especially if it involved children.  She was always active in the Oakdale Elementary PTA where she served as President one year.  She loved any opportunity to be hands on with those in need and she continued that role for many decades.  

Billie’s “Gift” was an all-encompassing Spirit of love that literally radiated through her.  Her kindness and compassion for others truly set her apart.  When she spoke or even smiled at you, it impacted you; anyone who knew her will undeniably agree.  Her own love of Jesus radiated in her face and you could feel a power in her presence.  A beautiful soul with an aura that completely captivated anyone she encountered . . . that is simply a “Gift”.

Billie was most proud of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She would bend anyone’s ear who would listen and tell them all of the funny, charming, and embarrassing stories that she could about her “precious angels”.  Her family was her life, and she was the anchor who held them strong and secure.

A Funeral Service will be held Monday, August 2, 2021 at 1:30 pm at Cook’s Memorial Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, NC. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made to Cook’s Memorial Presbyterian Church, 3413 Mt Holly-Huntersville Rd, Charlotte, NC  28216.

Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home is assisting the family.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.kepnerfh.com.