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BORN
1935
DIED
2022
Billie Sowards Obituary
March 24, 1935 - June 11, 2022
Billie Glynn Sowards passed away peacefully at her home Saturday, June 11, 2022, at the age of 87. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother devoted to her family.
Billie was born March 24, 1935, in Rock Island, Ill., to William and Edith (nee Harvey) Harbit. She grew up in Gilman, Iowa, then, attended Rockford College in 1954, where she met her husband, Robert Metz. They were married in 1956, and had two children. They resided in Belvedere, Ill., until Robert's untimely death in 1965.
In 1967, Billie met and married Edward L. Sowards and moved to Rockford, Ill. Billie became stepmother to Edward's two children. Billie and Edward had a son together in 1975. In 1983, they moved to St. Petersburg, Fla. They moved to Hickory in 2002, to their home in the Bethlehem community.
Billie was raised in the Christian church. She had and an abiding and committed faith throughout her life. She was known for her caring, kind and compassionate spirit. She generously donated to causes and people she believed in.
She was preceded in death by her mother; father; husbands; and stepdaughter, Jane Sowards.
She is survived by her children, Brian Metz (Julie) of Sacramento, Calif., Elizabeth Metz of Taylorsville, Todd Sowards (Kristy) of Taylorsville; stepson, Gary Sowards (Donna) of Norwood, Colo.; as well five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren of Taylorsville, and Kansas City, Mo.
The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, June 14, at Corinth Reformed Church with the Rev. Bob Thompson officiating. Burial will follow in Pisgah Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alexander Hospice, 50 Lucy Echerd Lane, Taylorsville, NC 28681.
www.bass-smithfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Billie Sowards
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Beverly Teague
June 14, 2022
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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