Billie Ellen Audia

Billie Ellen Holeman Audia passed away surrounded by her family on Wednesday, February 3, 2016. She was preceded in death by her husband of nearly fifty years Anthony "Tony" Audia; a daughter, Sherry Audia Jarrell; an infant great grandson, Connor Michael Tibbetts; her parents Genevieve and Tom Holeman; a brother, Tom "Buddy" Holeman and a sister, Genevieve "Baby Jean" Stanfield. She is survived by her children: Deborah Audia Felzien (Grant dec.) of Cincinnati, Ohio; Laurie Audia Hannah (David) of Fairmont, West Virginia; Paul Audia (Bonnie) of Chicago, Illinois; Jeff Audia (Jennifer) of Fairmont, West Virginia and a brother, Frank Holeman of Memphis, Tennessee. Also surviving are twelve grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren. Billie endured and battled Alzheimer's for the last ten years. In dealing with this sad disease and with all her major life events, she demonstrated that each person is unique and has her own special triumphs and defeats. We were blessed to learn, love and be a part of them. Billie will always be with us as a mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, daughter, wife and friend. We will miss her but know her journey to the next plane of life will be free of turmoil, sickness and pain. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, June 16, 1929 Billie was a country girl growing up on pastoral land that is now part of the Memphis Airport. Known as "BEA" to her family, she was an excellent athlete, debater and a decathlon champion. Her family shared southern hospitality during World War II and fed soldiers stationed at the Millington air base nearby. And it was during one of those dinners that Billie met Tony and was married at age 18. When the older of the children entered Junior High, Billie went to work at the Owens-Illinois glass factory in order to put herself through secretarial school. After completing a few years of employment with Owens-Illinois she attended and graduated from Fairmont Business College and worked as an administrative secretary for several local companies including Martinka Mines. After retiring, Billie enjoyed taking care of her house, gardening and yard work and reading. She was a member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church and the Newman Center. In consideration of Billie's wishes there will be no public viewing nor reception. Instead, a private family burial will take place at Grandview Memorial Gardens. Condolences may be expressed online at www.carpenterandford.com.