Billie Soyars

Billie Rae Johnson Soyars danced into Heaven to meet her Lord and Savior on Saturday evening, June 25, 2016, at Roman Eagle Health and Rehabilitation Center. Billie Rae was born on November 15, 1934, in Maybeury, West Virginia to the late E. B. Johnson and late Mazie Trent Johnson.  She moved to Danville, Virginia, in 1948 and has been an active member of the community.     She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Hugh Jackson (Jack) Soyars, as well as three children:  Robin Soyars Doucette of Williamsburg, VA, Linda Soyars Ross of Danville, VA, and David Soyars of Greensboro, NC.  She was a doting grandmother to five lucky grandchildren whom she taught to love dessert:  Libby Doucette, Trent Doucette, Hannah Ross, Megan Ross, and Matthew Ross.  Also surviving is her brother, Edsel Johnson of Tuscaloosa, AL.  She was predeceased by her brother E. B. Johnson II, sister Charmie Johnson, and granddaughter Lydia Doucette.      In recent years her body succumbed to the ravages of Parkinson’s Disease though she bravely faced every step of the journey with her unwavering faith and quiet determination.  Billie Rae (“Pete” as she was known to many) personified the adage “better to wear out than to rust out.”  She was a doer!  She loved staying active and enjoyed playing basketball, softball, bowling, swimming, and square dancing.  She loved nature, especially time at the beach, and enjoyed camping and hiking.  Billie Rae was an active member of Fairview United Methodist Church.  She served on various church committees and was a former Sanctuary Choir member and adult Sunday School teacher.  She was actively involved in United Methodist Women, served as co-president of Fairview UMW and was a former Secretary of the Danville District United Methodist Women.  She was an active participant in the Bible Study Fellowship and a member of the Dan River Emmaus community. She was a former member of the Luncheon Pilot Club of Danville and served as secretary of the Virginia District Pilot International. She was an active Girl Scout leader for many years and spent a lot of time at her beloved Camp Shawnee.  Being a lifelong lover of music and the arts, she played the clarinet in the GW High School marching band, lifted her strong alto voice in the church choir for decades, and learned to play the flute, and tried her hand at oil painting in her retirement.  Her lifelong passion for learning and exploring has inspired many. She was employed as a legal secretary for many years and retired from the Law firm of Clement & Wheatley in 1997 after 21 years of service.     The family gives special thanks for the superb nursing care team at Roman Eagle Health & Rehabilitation Center that worked diligently to meet her every need, becoming family.  Visitation will be Tuesday, June 28, 2016, from 7:00 to 8:30 PM at Fairview UMC.  A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, June 29, 2016, at 11:00 AM, officiated by Rev. Winston Crichlow at Fairview United Methodist Church.  Interment will follow at Highland Burial Park.     In lieu of flowers, Billie Rae requested that donations be made to Bible Study Fellowship International, 19001 Huebner Road, San Antonio, TX 78258-4019 or to the Mission Fund or Fellowship Fund of Fairview UMC, 1013 Westover Drive, Danville, VA 24541.  Donations may also be made to the Activities Department at Roman Eagle.      In honoring the spirit of Billie Rae, go and enjoy the warmth of friends and family and the sun on your face…and eat some chocolate!