Place of Service: Owen Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church Kosciusko, MS

Date of Service : Tues. September 17, 2024 @ 11 a.m.

Visitation: Mon. September 16, 2024

Internment: Parkway Cemetery

Billie Jean Caldwell was born on March 9, 1947 to parents Ellious Jamison and Dorothy Carpenter in Kosciusko, Mississippi.

Billie was educated in the Kosciusko school district, graduating from Tipton Street High School. She went on to obtain a bachelors degree in education from Mississippi Valley State University and later earned a masters degree in education from Eastern Michigan University.

Prior to her retirement and subsequent move from Detroit, she was an active member of the teaching sorority Phi Delta Kappa and the Mississippi Valley State Alumni Association after her move.

Billie pursued her talent for educating children in the Highland Park Public Schools and Detroit Public Schools districts. The majority of her career was spent teaching elementary education in Detroit.

Billie joined Owens Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church in Kosciusko, MS, at an early age. After migrating to Detroit, MI, she joined St. Paul A.M.E. Zion Church. Upon moving to Southfield, MI, she joined John Wesley A.M.E. Zion Church. She later moved back to Kosciusko and rejoined Owens Chapel. During her time at the church, she served in several capacities, including chairman of the Christian education department, trustee, chairman of the program committee, and member of the missionary department. She was also instrumental in raising money for the building fund and the construction of the new Owens Chapel Church. She was a faithful member.

Billie united in holy matrimony with James Caldwell on August 18, 2000. Through this union, she gained three bonus children.

Billie loved her family. She was known for sending birthday cards and gifts to the children and encouraging them to excel in school. She enjoyed connecting with her family through telephone conversations and in-person gatherings that she often helped plan. She was always there with a listening ear and a helping hand. While she could sometimes be bossy in her efforts to encourage her family to do the right thing, she just wanted this best for them. Billie enjoyed life, including reading the Bible, writing in her journal, traveling, scrapbooking, putting together jigsaw puzzles, collecting angels and watching and discussing soap operas on television.

Billie was incredibly brave in her fight against cancer, serving as a living testimony to strength and resilience. The medical staff who cared for her were often amazed by her progress. Even as she approached the transition from this life to the next, they commented on her strength. After a long battle, she departed this life on Monday, September 9, 2024, at 4:57 a.m.

Billie was preceded in death by her parents Ellious Jamison and Dorothy Carpenter, husband James Caldwell and her brother Bobby Carpenter.

Billie leaves to cherish her memory her loving daughter Demetria Jamison; three bonus children James John (Princess) Caldwell, Jason Caldwell, and Lyndsi Caldwell; and two bonus granddaughters, Jaliyah Caldwell and Jasmine Caldwell; brothers Robert Earl Jamison, Charles Jamison, and Michael Jamison; sister Betty Ruth Williams. She is also survived by four cousins who were like sisters to her: Dorothy Jean Jamison, Deloise Lyte, Annie Joyce Griffen, and Ruth Baker-Liddell, as well as two cousins who were like brothers: Edward Earl Brantley and Jimmie Brantley. In addition, Billie leaves behind nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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