Mildred Helene Billingsley Kelso

Mildred Helene Billingsley Kelso passed away peacefully on November 11, 2025, at the age of 94. A beloved sister, aunt, educator, and friend, Mildred's life was a testament to faith, service, and love for family and community.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Emmanuel United Presbyterian Church, 3023 Selma Ave, Knoxville, TN, on Monday, November 24, 2025. The Alpha Kappa Alpha "Beyond the Ivy Wall" Tribute will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by Visitation at 10:30 a.m. The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation at 11:00 a.m. The final resting place will be held at the Tennessee Veterans Cemetery Lyons View immediately following the service.
Born on November 2, 1931, to William A. Billingsley and Erma W. Billingsley, Mildred grew up on the family farm in the Pea Ridge Community. She was the cherished sister of Doris, Clifford, and Wilford Billingsley. After her mother remarried, Mildred was blessed with a devoted stepfather, Robert C. Waters, and gained siblings Cecelia, Gregory, and Kent Waters.
Mildred graduated from high school in Knox County and went on to earn her degree from Knoxville College.
On January 1, 1965, Mildred married the late James E. Kelso, beginning a marriage filled with love and joy. Their loving union was a blessing to family and friends.
Mildred's career as an educator spanned more than 25 years at Chilhowee Elementary School, where she touched the lives of countless children in the Knox County School System. After retiring, Mildred continued her commitment to service as an Ombudsman, advocating for seniors in nursing homes across East Tennessee.
A woman of deep faith, Mildred was guided by her relationship with Jesus Christ and was ordained as an Elder at Emmanuel United Presbyterian Church. She was a proud Golden Soror of the Alpha Pi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., where she provided community service alongside her beloved Sorors.
Mildred's passions included family, good food, cooking, and travel. Her home was always open to friends and family, and she especially enjoyed traveling with her sister Cecelia Waters and her Wilson cousins, the late Cynthia Wilson, LaWan Davis, and Muriel Johnson.
Mildred leaves to cherish her memory: Bonus Child Lauren Brodie; sister Cecelia Waters; sisters-in-law Mary Emma (Archie) Lee, Shirley (Gregory) Waters, and Vickie (Kent) Waters; nieces and nephews Mildred "Missy" Brunson, Tracie Billingsley, Lynwood (Yvonne) Billingsley, Renee B. Dorster, Cliffonda Toler, Gerald Billingsley, Kristy (Curtis) Billingsley-Thomas, Allison (Venice) Billingsley Foster, Amy (Revi) Williams, Andrea "Tink" (Chris) Cowan, Sara Elizabeth Waters; all of the Cleveland, Ohio Billingsleys; and many, many great-nieces and great-nephews, including Jaleia Thompson, Avah Ellington, Jordon Brunson, the late Travis Brunson, Eliana "Ellie" Williams, Evan Williams, and Chris "Moo" Cowan, Jr.
Mildred's legacy of kindness, faith, and service will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Unity Mortuary. www.unitymortuary1979.com