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Fannie Bell Billups

  • November 4, 1914 - March 6, 2011
  • Roselle, New Jersey
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Fannie Billups

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Memories & Candles

“To the family of Ms.Fannie, an amazing woman , My mother;Thomasina Tomlin; and I wish to express our condolences. She touched our lives richly after...Read More » ”
1 of 11 | Posted by: Donna Dupree - Sumter, SC

“My prayers go out to The Billups family we all know where Ms Fannie is. She's in Heaven with God looking down at us all (Smiling). ”
2 of 11 | Posted by: cynthia merchant - hillside, NJ

“To the Billup family, I would like to express my deepest condolences. Mrs Billup was a wonderful person. May God bless you all ”
3 of 11 | Posted by: Ruth E. Chambers - Willingboro, NJ

“I would like to express my deepest Condolences to the Family. I am so sorry I recieved the news today. Aunt Fannie was such a sweetheart! I...Read More » ”
4 of 11 | Posted by: Belita Morgan Houser - Linden, NJ

“Dear Sanders and Family, May God grant you and yours peace and comfort. God Bless ”
5 of 11 | Posted by: Mary Hall McLeod - Rahway, NJ

“I feel privileged to have had Fannie as my cousin, godmother and a friend.I will always have special memories of our long telephone conversations. I...Read More » ”
6 of 11 | Posted by: Katherine Carruthers - Katy, TX

“Sandy and Edna, you and the family have my deepest sympathy at the loss of your mother whom I have know since I was a little girl. She was such a...Read More » ”
7 of 11 | Posted by: Patti King-Powell - Somerville, NJ

“To Gallimore/Whitfield Family: Ms. Billups, from the time I was 3 years of age you were in my life. I will never forget living next door to you and...Read More » ”
8 of 11 | Posted by: Denise - Charlotte, NC

“SHE IS JUST AWAY MEMORIES ALLOW US TO GATHER ROSES IN THE WINTER YOUR LOVED ONE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN FOR SHE IS JUST AWAY SHE'll live forever in...Read More » ”
9 of 11 | Posted by: Hazel Ellison - OH

“To the Billups Family,Sister Billups was a sweet and wonderful person I remember those days when she was over the Jr Ushers at Bethlehem she always...Read More » ”
10 of 11 | Posted by: Felicia Franklin-Turner - GA

“Ms. Billups was like a mother to the Young Adults at Bethlehem during her time there. She would not hesitate to get you back in line. LOL Ushering...Read More » ”
11 of 11 | Posted by: Arlene Alford-Taylor - Linden, NJ


Fannie Bell Billups, the daughter the late Bessie and Candis Leve Engram, the second of six children was born on November14, 1914 in Montezuma, Georgia. She attended public school in Macon County, Georgia. She accepted Jesus Christ on August 1, 1926 at New Hope Baptist Church, Montezuma, Georgia. Fannie married Sanders Whitfield and from this union two children were born, Thomas Martin and Edna. In 1937, Fannie moved to Roselle, New Jersey and became a member of First Baptist Church, Linden. On February 3, 1955, she moved her church membership to Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, Roselle. Fannie was a dedicated and faithful worker in her works for the Lord. She was a Deaconess, "Mother" of the church, President of the Floral Ministry for 35 years. She was the President of the Senior and Junior Usher Boards; and members of the Senior Missionary Board, Pastors' Aide, Nurses Unit, and was a Sunday School Teacher. Fannie was a hard worker all of her life, securing many jobs during her life time. She was a Sales Clerk at Howard Jewelers in Elizabeth for 25 years. Community and friends were where Fannie focused her energies outside of Family and Church. She was a Life Member of the NAACP. A former member of the Knights of Phythias, Order of Calanthes Uniform Rank White Rose Court #9 and Queen Esther Chapter of the Eastern Stars. She was also a Volunteer at Saint Elizabeth Hospital, Elizabeth for many years. Nana as she was called by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren was an excellent cook and homemaker. She was known throughout the county for her tasteful specialty "Sweet Potato Pie," and her fashionable style of dressing, which earned her the name of "Foxy Fannie." Fannie was married to Deacon Otis O. Billups on July 27, 1958. He preceded her to glory in June 1991. Fannie Bell Billups went home, to be with the Lord on March 6, 2011 at JFK Medical Center, Edison, New Jersey at the age of 96. She leaves to cherish precious memories her son, Thomas "Sandy" Whitfield (Hazel); daughter, Edna Whitfield-Gallimore; four grandchildren, Desiree Burnett (Paul), Pamela Gallimore (Darren), Derrick Whitfield (Wendy) and Martin Whitfield (Deanna); fourteen great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; her life and love lives on through her three nieces, Beverly Owens, Christine Newsome and Beverly Engram; three nephews, Louis Owens, Louis Massey and Curry Odom, great nieces and nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. This Online Memorial has been created to commemorate the life of Fannie Bell Billups. You are invited to add a Tribute in her memory. Please click "Sign Guestbook" below to add your own memories, reflections, thoughts or condolences.