Elfriede "Freda" Billips

Elfriede (Freda) Billips, 88, of Bluefield, VA passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 02, 2021.   

Born on March 27, 1933 in Germany, she was a daughter of the late August and Anna Theobold Feyel. She married in 1956 and immigrated to the United States in 1958.  She was a lifelong resident of Bluefield, VA and was of the Protestant Faith.

Earlier in her life she worked as a seamstress in Bland, Virginia textile mills until becoming a full-time homemaker.  She made friends easily and was liked by everyone, always saying “they like to hear me talk” referring to her heavy German accent.  In her later years she enjoyed spending time with her friends both on the phone and at Hardees in Bluefield VA, Hometown Restaurant in Peterstown and El Burrito Loco in Richlands.  She often said her friends were “the best friends ever”.

She especially enjoyed evening and weekend outings with either of her sons or grandson.  The destination never mattered, only that she was spending time with her family going somewhere.

She will be sadly missed by everyone whose life she touched, especially and profoundly by her sons and grandson who have never been without her.  She was the best mother and grandmother anyone could have ever wished for, always selflessly looking out for her family.

She is survived by her sons Ronald (Katherine) and Robert as well as her grandson Andrew and step granddaughter Jenifer.  She was preceded in death by her husband Albort Billips, sister Tilla Zink and daughter-in-law Barbara Billips.  Elfriede was the last surviving member of her family.

Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, June 5, 2021 at 2:00 PM at the Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell with Dr. Doug Hyndrich officiating.  She will be laid to rest at Grandview Memory Gardens, Bluefield-Tazewell Road, Bluefield, VA.

Friends may call one hour prior to services, from 1:00-2:00 PM at the funeral home.