Cassandra "Billy" Ricketts

1921 - 2025

Cassandra "Billy" Ricketts

May 12, 1921 - November 6, 2025

Cassandra Summers Kernodle Ricketts was better known as Billy Ricketts. Yes "Billy" with a "y". After four loving daughters, Billy's father had hoped for a son. So, Cassie became "Billy" with a "y" to family and friends.

In her 104 ½ years, Billy lived an amazing life. Born in Greensboro, she was a pillar in the community, and her contributions and accomplishments were vast. She was the first female registered and licensed stockbroker( now known as financial advisor) in North Carolina.

During her long career, it was important to her that her clients understand the importance of making wise investments. Being a child during the Great Depression, she understood the value of money. Her clients who remained with her for decades certainly benefitted from her wisdom. Billy worked until she was 101years old, proudly leaving grandson Clay to continue her knowledge and wisdom about investing to service "their" clients.

Many in the Greensboro/Guilford County area benefitted from Billy's generosity and participation in civic organizations. Billy's faith was strong and significant in her life. Along with her husband Leslie, she loved being a Sunday school teacher. She also served proudly on various church committees at her beloved West Market United Methodist Church.

As much as she loved and excelled in her career, family and friends were her real joy. She loved and cared for us with exemplary devotion. She never tired and was known for working sun up to sun down to provide a loving, well organized and efficient home for her family. She was thoughtful and passionate about her many friends. She led and inspired so many of us.

Billy did not like to cook and always said she was not a good cook. She was! Home cooked meals was a thing with her. She often credited her dislike of "fast food" for her longevity.

Gardening was definitely her passion. Well into her 90's, she was often seen working in her yard, caring for her plants. She was well known for her gorgeous azaleas, iris and boxwoods. Many friends yards benefitted from her generously sharing her beautiful plants.

One of her favorite trips was with her husband and her precious grandchildren Clay and Chris who both were very young. They went to Monticello, home of Thomas Jefferson. Without hesitation, she snipped a piece of boxwood from the garden, took it home, rooted and planted it in her yard. It still thrives as if it was always meant to be there.

Billy Ricketts was so many things. She was a devoted parent, grandmother and great grandmother. She was a dear friend to many. She was inspiring and generous with love, guidance and her support.

Predeceasing Billy was the love of her life, husband, Leslie and her beloved daughter, Sandra. Her siblings and their spouses and three nephews predeceased her.

Surviving Billy are daughters, Kay Jones and Pam Warren(Randy); grandsons, Clay Craven and Chris Craven (Maggie); great-grandchildren, Jack and Anna. Billy is also survived by nieces and nephews that she loved dearly.

The family would like to thank our extended family and dear friends for their tremendous love and support during this difficult time.

May we all live as mother did: Do Good and Be Good.

An 11 a.m., graveside service will take place on Monday, Novemeber 10, 2025, at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Greensboro.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to West Market United Methodist Church.

Forbis & Dick N Elm Chapel is assisting the Ricketts family.