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Billie "Ghea" Jean Smith, 81, died April 4, 2012, in the arms of her daughter, Marsha Ann, with her four grandchildren by her side at Matthews Presbyterian Hospital in Matthews, N.C.
She was born Nov. 15, 1930, in Spencer, W.Va., to Marshall William and Ida Lee Goodwin Limer as the youngest of seven children.
She graduated from Calhoun County High School and majored in Physical Education at Glenville State College. She discovered a passion for traveling to the eastern coastal areas while raising her family in both Charleston and Parkersburg, W.Va. She was known as "Aunt Jean" by her special nieces and nephews.
After retiring from E.I. DuPont, she moved to Matthews. She spent her winters in Myrtle Beach, S.C. She was an active member of the Levine Senior Center, STP and Happy Times Club, all in Matthews, where she found her very best friends. The people that knew her best drew from her strength. During her battle with lung cancer, they often commented, "she is an inspiration to us all" and she has an "amazing will to live for her family."
She is survived by her daughters, Marsha Barker and husband, Ken, of Matthews, N.C., and Sharon Smith of Florida; grandchildren, Samantha Barker, Robin Baldinger, Brian Barker and Jacob Stone; and great-grandchildren, Jayden, Liam, Harper, Brandon, Henry and Cooper.
She was predeceased by her parents; brothers, Herald, Gerald and Marshall Limer Jr.; and sisters, Aretta Meeks, Irene Brannon and Juanita Wilson.
At Billie's request, no service was held. Her ashes will be spread in a private family ceremony.
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