Deborah Ann Wordlow Billups
Dec 18, 1955
Jul 31, 2024
Deborah Ann Wordlow Billups, 69, of Louisville transitioned on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at Norton Pallative Care Unit.
Graveside services will be held 11am on Saturday, August 10, 2024 at Petersburg-Newburg Cemetery at the corner of Petersburg Road and E. Indian Trail.
Deborah Ann Wordlow Billups was born on Sunday, December 18, 1955 in Louisville, Kentucky to proud parents Maymie Wordlow Shelby and Clarence Walker. She was the seventh born of eleven children.
Deborah accepted Christ at an early age at Cable Baptist Church. She was a product of Jefferson County Public Schools, attending Thomas Jefferson High School.
In 1971 Deborah married Joseph Billups, Jr. and moved to the Marine Corps Base at San Diego, California, where she was employed as a Bartender. While working as a Bartender, Deborah was determined to continue her education. She became a graduate from North County College in Oceanside, California. Shortly after Deborah returned to Louisville, she was blessed with the birth of her child, and her life’s greatest joy, her daughter, Teneka Michelle Billups Downing.
Deborah enjoyed a vibrant life decorating, sewing, baking sweets, two-stepping, listening to R&B, reading magazines, and gardening. She liked to watch old Westerns, the Home & Garden Show, and soap operas. She took joy in hosting holiday celebrations. She was very fond of bargain shopping and had her own flea market booth. Fashionista, Deborah took pride in her appearance and would always dress to impress.
Deborah began working for Jefferson County Public Schools in 1979 until her first retirement in 2005, after which, in 2014, reentering employment at Jefferson County Public Schools, and retiring again in 2019. She loved being around the kids at work, and often donated toys, clothes, and supplies to kids and families in need. Giving, sharing, and providing for others, brought joy to Deborah. She regularly took care of those who were ill, the elderly, and those who were often forgotten. Deborah embodied grace, dignity, class, strength and integrity in all aspects of life. Her smile would light up the room. She will truly be missed!
On Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at the age of 68, Deborah Ann Wordlow Billups, was called home after a short-lived illness. She leaves to cherish her memory, her daughter, Teneka (Matthew) Downing. She also leaves behind her siblings; Clarence Wordlow, Gary Wordlow, Kenneth Wordlow, Donald Wordlow, Darrell Wordlow, Linda Kirkland, Vivian Puckett, and Beverly Blake, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Deborah was preceded in death by her father, Clarence Walker; and siblings, Douglas Wordlow, Eva Wordlow Clay, and Gloria Carr.