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Obituary For Mildred Helene Billingsley Kelso
Mildred Helene Billingsley Kelso passed away peacefully on November 11, 2025, at the age of 94. A beloved sister, aunt, educator, and friend, Mildred’s life was a testament to faith, service, and love for family and community.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Emmanuel United Presbyterian Church, 3023 Selma Ave, Knoxville, TN, on Monday, November 24, 2025. The Alpha Kappa Alpha “Beyond the Ivy Wall” Tribute will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by Visitation at 10:30 a.m. The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation at 11:00 a.m. The final resting place will be held at the Tennessee Veterans Cemetery Lyons View immediately following the service.
Born on November 2, 1931, to William A. Billingsley and Erma W. Billingsley, Mildred grew up on the family farm in the Pea Ridge Community. She was the cherished sister of Doris, Clifford, and Wilford Billingsley. After her mother remarried, Mildred was blessed with a devoted stepfather, Robert C. Waters, and gained siblings Cecelia, Gregory, and Kent Waters.
Mildred graduated from high school in Knox County and went on to earn her degree from Knoxville College.
On January 1, 1965, Mildred married the late James E. Kelso, beginning a marriage filled with love and joy. Their loving union was a blessing to family and friends.
Mildred’s career as an educator spanned more than 25 years at Chilhowee Elementary School, where she touched the lives of countless children in the Knox County School System. After retiring, Mildred continued her commitment to service as an Ombudsman, advocating for seniors in nursing homes across East Tennessee.
A woman of deep faith, Mildred was guided by her relationship with Jesus Christ and was ordained as an Elder at Emmanuel United Presbyterian Church. She was a proud Golden Soror of the Alpha Pi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., where she provided community service alongside her beloved Sorors.
Mildred’s passions included family, good food, cooking, and travel. Her home was always open to friends and family, and she especially enjoyed traveling with her sister Cecelia Waters and her Wilson cousins, the late Cynthia Wilson, LaWan Davis, and Muriel Johnson.
Mildred leaves to cherish her memory: Bonus Child Lauren Brodie; sister Cecelia Waters; sisters-in-law Mary Emma (Archie) Lee, Shirley (Gregory) Waters, and Vickie (Kent) Waters; nieces and nephews Mildred “Missy” Brunson, Tracie Billingsley, Lynwood (Yvonne) Billingsley, Renee B. Dorster, Cliffonda Toler, Gerald Billingsley, Kristy (Curtis) Billingsley-Thomas, Allison (Venice) Billingsley Foster, Amy (Revi) Williams, Andrea “Tink” (Chris) Cowan, Sara Elizabeth Waters; all of the Cleveland, Ohio Billingsleys; and many, many great-nieces and great-nephews, including Jaleia Thompson, Avah Ellington, Jordon Brunson, the late Travis Brunson, Eliana “Ellie” Williams, Evan Williams, and Chris “Moo” Cowan, Jr.
Mildred’s legacy of kindness, faith, and service will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Unity Mortuary. www.unitymortuary1979.com
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Condolences & Tributes
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I remember when she would babysit Travis and I when we were in grade school. We would play and get into mischievous things.. She always let me know that I was welcome to come over anytime..
To Family and Friends,
Sincere Sympathy and Condolences in he loss of your "Loved One".
Mildred Kelso, known in the family as Mi Mi. She was my Sister In-law. When going into the family in my twenty's, I always thought she was a sweet and a giving person. Also strong in her Faith. She treated people like you would want to be treated, and never a person that would judge you, she accepted you as you were. And if she could help you she would. I will miss her but can't be selfish knowing she has worked hard in this life. And God meeting her crossing over WEll DONE thy good and faithful servant.
R I P Mrs Kelso was my teacher at Maynard and I have good memories of the time. She will be missed.
Mildred was a kind and gracious lady. She was so encouraging to my son Anthony Wilson while he was a student at Chilhowee School.She will be missed!🙏🙏
To The Kelso Family, Mrs. Kelso was one of my favorite teachers when I attended Maynard Elementary School. We shared the same first name, so that was special to me. She was kind, patient and always fair with her students. Later in life, we met again while pampering ourselves at the same nail shop. We had the best conversation. Mrs. Kelso was truly a role model. My prayers and heartfelt condolences are with family. May God continue to keep his loving arms around the family during and beyond this difficult time.
"MiMi" was a sweet, sweet, spirit. I began to know her in the 70's as we share a beautiful niece. We are also AKA sisters and have the same birthday, November 2. May her loving memory bring the family comfort and peace.
My deepest condolences to the family Miss kelso was a resident where I work and she was my favorite I loved her so so much and will miss her dearly.
Mildred and I were friends. Our friendship blossomed at Chilhowee Elementary School. To expedite time, let me say she was an awesome first grade teacher and a friend who always opened her doors and her heart with love and compassionate. We loved her but GOD loves her best!
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One of the kindness person i ever made i worked for trintyhills knox and i help mildred out in the dinning room she had nothing but kind words every time u saw her Rest in peace fly high ur an angle Ricky
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
