Billups, Roma Gail Hatten

Roma Gail Hatten Billups, 86, of Ceredo, WV, was received into the arms of her Savior on Wednesday, April 25, 2018. Gail was born on November 26, 1931, in Kenova, West Virginia, to the late Harry Lee and Tilda (Osburn) Hatten. She was also preceded in death by her loving husband, John J Billups, and brothers and sisters-in-law, William Hatten (Garnet) and James Hatten (Peggy).Gail had a great love for the town of Ceredo and its people where she was a resident during most of her adult life. A graduate of Buffalo High School in 1949, she furthered her education at St. Mary’s School of Nursing becoming a registered nurse. After working at Cabell Huntington Hospital and area nursing homes, she is most remembered for her time spent as the town nurse of Ceredo, West Virginia. She was a selfless individual who tirelessly served her friends and neighbors at any time she was called upon, and received WSAZ’s Hometown Hero Award and also the American Legion Post 93’s Outstanding Citizen Award for 1984.
She loved and faithfully served the Lord at First Baptist Church of Ceredo, as a choir member, Sunday School teacher, drama director, and volunteer wherever needed. When spending her summers in the country she greatly enjoyed her time of fellowship with the Big Hurricane Creek Baptist Church congregation.
As a vibrant and active member of the community she enjoyed quilting and needlework, time spent at the Westmoreland Senior Center, and years of participation in the Ceredo-Kenova Alumni Band.
Gail cherished her family from whom she drew much pleasure and leaves a loving legacy through the lives of her three sons: John Billups (Leigh) of Ashland, Ky; Michael Billups (Jeanette) of Kenova, WV; James “JD” Billups (Rhonda) of Kenova, WV; her grandchildren, Amy Mullins (Steven), Jamie Bishop, John David Billups (Holly), Alexandra Billups, Aaron Billups (Sochill), Allison Kazee (Ryan), Joshua Billups; her great-grandchildren Katie Foste, John Ryan Billups, Carder Mullins, Olivia Bishop, Rachael Bishop, Jackson Billups, Elijah, Blaine, and Harrison Kazee, and Brooks Billups.
She was devoted to and will be lovingly remembered by her brothers Harry Gene Hatten of Hartford, AL and Lory B Hatten of Kenova, WV; and sisters JoAnn Hunt of Elyria, OH and Floetta (Darrell) Hall of Kenova, WV, as well as many nieces, nephews, and her beloved cat, Snowshoe. Gail’s nature was to love, give, and serve. She gained many close friends and neighbors whom she dearly loved and appreciated. To know Gail, was to love Gail.
Visitation services will be held at First Baptist Church of Ceredo on Monday, April 30, from 6 to 8 pm. The funeral service will be conducted on Tuesday, May 1, at 1:00 pm with Pastor Rodney Hale officiating, and burial to follow at Ceredo Crescent Hill Cemetery. Rollins Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rollinsfh.com.