Bloomington, Indiana
WEST, Billie Rees, of 1107 Grove Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, quietly passed away January 19, at the age of 79. Mrs. West, was predeceased by her husband, James B. West Jr.; and leaves behind a daughter, O'Connell McKeon Case (Mark) of Bloomington, Indiana; and two sons, James Brooks West III of Charleston, South Carolina, and William Rees Samuel West of Richmond; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, along with a legion of admirers across the U.S. and her adopted country of Jamaica. In 1993, B.R. co-founded Children's Medical Services, International (CSMI) with Dr. Charles Bagwell of MCV/VCU to promote children's healthcare in Jamaica. Her commitment to the children of Jamaica was unfathomable and her indomitable spirit on behalf of this cause resulted in a wide and ever expanding circle of followers wherever she traveled. She received honorary titles and awards from the Department of Surgery at VCU, the Cornwall Regional Hospital of Montego Bay, Jamaica, and the Jamaican Ministry of Health. Her exploits were the stuff of legend - mostly true, and, as well as, her status as Le Grande Dame certified by Jamaicans across the island that came to adore her. A service of celebration for her remarkable life, followed by an equally remarkable party, as she insisted, will be held Tuesday, January 22, at 5 p.m. at Billups Funeral Home, 2500 East Marshall Street, where stories of her spectacular life and adventures will be told. Contributions to CMSI, Ronald L. Ferrell, 12445 Perry Winkle Rd., Glen Allen, Va. 23059, can be made via
www.childrensmedicalservices.net.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
Billie Reese was an exceptional human being. i have such fond memories of her. she took me to jamica for the first time , and it was so wonderful to see how much she was loved there. I went back to jamica many times after that but it was never as grand as that first time with her. she will be missed and will be remembered
mary jane jones
January 24, 2013 | St. Thomas
I never met anyone like Billie Reese and never will again; she was truly a unique and wonderful person. To Billie Reese - I raise a Red Stripe in your honor!
January 23, 2013
My life and many others were so enriched by BR - her southern charm, infinite wisdom, honesty, caring heart and huge love of life! I miss her greatly. I have lost a very dear friend, and I am forever greatful that she was a part of my life. My prayers to all her family - she is dancing in Heaven! And laughing her georgous laugh!
Kathryn Willson
January 22, 2013 | Raleigh, NC
Billie Rees was a true inspiration and role model. We will never forget visiting with her on her porch over ginger snaps and lemonade. We will miss her very much.
Amanda & Andy Scudder
January 22, 2013 | Richmond, VA
The world lost an angel but Heaven gained one. Mimi had such a positive impact on anyone who ever met her. She had a heart of gold. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends. May you find peace in knowing that endless are the rewards waiting for her in Heaven. Rest in peace Mimi. xoxo
Tiffany Newman
January 22, 2013 | Topping, VA
I have lost a true friend. Her experience with me in my mother's crisis at a Jamaican hospital awoke her philanthropic spirit to want to do something to help the Jamaican health system. Instead of saying "What a shame!" She acted: she started Children's Medical Services International.
Penny Budhlall
January 22, 2013 | Jamaica
Billie Rees was not only a remarkable person. She also represented the embodiment of a gently caustic, deeply humane, Old South style.
bernardo piciche'
January 21, 2013 | Richmond, VA
I shall always carry a fondness in my heart for BR. She was a Lady who taught me zest for life. I miss her already ... and shall always recall the admonition: "You can wake up Billie Reese, but don't wake up Jim."
Tom Inman
January 21, 2013 | VA
It was my privilege to stay at Billie Rees' when I visited Richmond in Summer 2001 to look for a house, prior to starting my employment at VCU. And so began our friendship. She knew a lot about the activity at VCU Music kitty-corner from her home; so we swapped “intel” that first evening.
Her gift to me, beyond her friendship, was her profound skill at bringing people together that should know each other, especially to accomplish wonderful goals in the local and global community. In...
Antonio Garcia
January 21, 2013 | Richmond, VA
