Inman, SC

Mrs. Billy J. Ballenger, wife of Roy Ballenger, daughter of the late Deacon Matt L. and Mary Beachum, formerly of Greer, SC, entered into eternal rest on Friday, September 13, 2019.  Billy Jean was the eldest of eight siblings born of this union.

Billy Jean joined Mayfield Chapel Baptist Church at an early age and served faithfully until adult hood and then moved her membership to the Cedar Grove Baptist Church upon marriage.  At Cedar Grove she served as President of the Repass Committee, Chaplain of the Nurses Unit, member of the Deaconess Board, Lady's Choir, Missionary Auxiliary and Chaplain of the Moore's Chapel 180 O. E. S.  She graduated from Florence Chapel High School class of 1957.

Sister Ballenger was known as the Neighborhood Cake Lady.  She never got tired of cooking and feeding people.  She also served as the Neighborhood Sympathy Mentor securing flowers for deaths.

Sister Ballenger was employed as cook for the Fork and Mayfair Restaurants, she worked at Victor Mills, and as a nursing assistant at Allen Bennett Memorial Hospital.  Some of her nieces, nephews and grandchildren shared time in Mrs. Billy's care.

Sister Ballenger leaves to cherish her memories: Her beloved sister, Emma B. Scott of Duncan, SC; who remembers as a child, Billy Jean was responsible for taking care of her.  Braiding her hair, getting her clothes on, telling her what to do and when to do it.  Generally, Bill bossed her around and she had to take it.  Later in their adult lives, it was time to give back and Emma's time to take care of Mrs. Bill.  Making her life one to remember at the nursing facility was Ms. Emma's goal and a wonderful time they had together.  Emma loved taking care of you, her dear sister Bill with every moment God provided you two together with.

Also surviving are her husband Roy Ballenger of over 52 years of marriage; son Paul D. Beachum of the home; sisters, Nannie Thompson, Lydia Davis and Brenda Wright all of Duncan, SC; brother Melvin Beachum of Greer, SC; six grandchildren and three great grandchildren along with a host of other family and friends.

Sister Ballenger was preceded in death by her daughter Deborah Salters and a son Timothy W. Beachum; sister Gwendolyn B. Riser; brothers Douglas and Marvin Beachum.

Funeral service will be Wednesday, September 18, 2019 2:00PM at Cedar Grove Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery.  O.E.S rites will be Tuesday, September 17, 2019 6:00PM at Sullivan Bros. Mortuary.

Please keep the Ballenger family in your prayers.