BILLIE L. WHITFIELD

Billie L. Whitfield, 78, died Sept. 24, 2008 at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center due to natural causes. A memorial service was held Sept. 25 at the Valley Church of Christ. Additional services and burial will be at Williams Cemetery in White Bluff, Tenn.

Whitfield was born Dec. 17, 1929 in Cheatum County, Tenn., where she completed her high schooling. She came to Alaska in October of 1998, living in Chickaloon until 2002 when she moved to Wasilla.

She retired from the Memphis Publishing Co. in 1986, and was a member of the Valley Church of Christ who enjoyed reading, cooking and her grandchildren.

“She loved her God and lived her life to the fullest. Mother loved to travel and try new things,” her family said. “She was free to love and to give love freely. Always had a smile. Mother loved to listen to her grandchildren sing and loved to play dinosaurs. Her motto was ‘Live well, Laugh often, Love much.’

“She will be missed a lot, but we are much better off having known this wonderful loving, giving, strong woman,” they added. “God has one special angel on his hands!”

She is survived by a son Michael W. Whitfield of Memphis, Tenn., and two daughters, Lesa G. O’Hara and Gresha W. Wolfe, both of Wasilla. She was preceded in death by her husband, William N. Whitfield, and Annie Martin.

Memorial donations may be made in her name to the Valley Church of Christ Building Fund, PO Box 874254, Wasilla, AK 99687.

Valley Funeral Homes & Crematory of Palmer and Wasilla assisted the family with local arrangements.