Betty Kaye Ellis Bilbrey

Betty Kaye Ellis Bilbrey was born on February 7, 1941, in Robbins, Tennessee. She was the daughter of the late-Eugene Robbins Ellis and Letha Davis Ellis. Kaye departed this life peacefully on September 7, 2025, as a result of an extended battle with heart failure and after a long, full life. She was surrounded by her family in her daughter's home in North Carolina as she took her last breath and stepped into the presence of her LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ.
In addition to her parents, Kaye was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, James Herman Bilbrey; her brother Eugene Clifton Ellis; and her son John Edward Clark.
Kaye was known as an educator and counselor for the Oneida Special School District for 41 years before she retired. As a 1957 graduate of Robbins High School, she continued her higher education at Tennessee Tech, where she obtained both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees. Kaye loved being a teacher! She spent 27 years as a fourth-grade teacher at Oneida Elementary School. Over the next 14 years, Kaye finished her career as the guidance counselor at OES. Her students were her priority both in the classroom and in the community. Answering to Mrs. Bilbrey, Mrs. Bill-Berry, Mrs. Bilbrey Come To The Office, or Ms. Teacher, Kaye made sure that each student was seen, loved, and met right where they were, both academically and personally.
In addition to her career as a teacher, Kaye was an active member of Bethlehem Baptist Church for several decades. She prioritized worship for her family and faithfully taught her children that there is nothing more important in this weary world than a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Kaye taught Sunday School classes and sang in the choir as a form of worship, but mostly walked out her faith every single day. She loved the LORD and His word and could be seen reading her Bible multiple times a day even as her eyesight became an issue. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Oneida toward the end of her life and appreciated her Secret Sisters of FBC.
Kaye was an avid artist. She was especially talented with crocheting. She desperately tried to cross-stitch, but it never seemed to go her way. She enjoyed painting, fishing, reading, antiquing, and thrifting with her daughters and granddaughters. She had a weakness for jewelry - not making it, but purchasing it, spending hours perusing earrings. One of her most recent fascinations/enjoyments was scrolling on TikTok (all thanks to her granddaughter). Her favorite pastime was simply being with her family and finding things to get into while laughing all the way. She loved the autumn and winter and marveled in GOD's workmanship of colors, even as the rocks drew her eyes. "GOD doesn't make any junk. Remember that," was often said when she observed nature.
The last few years of Kaye's life were the most challenging, as it is with living a long, full life. As her health waned and difficult choices had to be made, Kaye always reminded those around her that the LORD is sovereign, and nothing was outside of His hand. She continued to express her wit, humor, and deep faith with her hospice providers, as she outlived their expectations! A deep, heartfelt gratitude can never really be expressed to the family's Carolina Caring's "Ice Balls & Aliens" team for their care, friendship and support over the past two and a half years: Tanika Green, Kaycee Tucker, Jess Williams, Katie Burger, Holly Shames, and Shantae "Sunshine" Rhoades made a challenging time bearable and even vibrant! A special thanks to Samantha Dye, Jackie & Tommy Crowley, Melissa Barnes, Heather Shannon, and Bob and the late-Vickie Skipper for their constant support and care given to Kaye and the family over the last two years.
Kaye is survived by her daughter and her very favorite son-in-law, Heather Bilbrey McLaughlin (George) of Gastonia, NC; son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Brett Bilbrey (Dr. Jennifer) of Knoxville, TN; honorary, hand-picked daughter, Samantha Kaye Dye (Kings Mountain, NC); grandchildren: Davin Clark (Knoxville, TN), Hannah Grace McLaughlin (Greensboro, NC), Carter Ellis McLaughlin (Gastonia, NC), Chloe Bell Bilbrey (Knoxville, TN), and Jonah Greyson Bilbrey (Knoxville, TN); and two great-grandchildren, Greyson Clark and Eleanor Clark.
Per Kaye's request and with much debate, no memorial services will be held. A private interment at Hazel Valley Cemetery will be held for the immediate family.
In her memory, donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Least of These Carolinas to continue the work so admired by Kaye.
You may share your love and support with the Bilbrey family on her tribute wall at www.fouroakfuneralhomes.com
Four Oaks Funeral Home of Huntsville and Oneida is honored to be serving the family of Betty Kaye Ellis Bilbrey.