Billie James Wedgewood's Obituary
WEDGEWOOD-JAMES, Billie August 13,1926-July 30, 2015. Billy was born August 13, 1925 outside Frederick Oklahoma and lived her life in seven different states. Billie married the late Charles O. James and moved to Waynesville, Ohio on December 3, 1945. She was very active in the United Methodist Church teaching Sunday school for 21 years. She held almost every office in the United Methodist Women’s Organization and was leader for several years.
Billie was active in the community serving as President of the Business and Professional Women’s club, the Waynesville PTO president and volunteering at Wayne Local Schools in many areas. She was a 4-H leader for six years teaching sewing and electrical skills to both boys and girls. She was a Dayton Daily News Counselor for 10 years as she handled the Waynesville area.
She loved to cook and garden and was #1 Cincinnati Reds and Ohio State fan. She loved to shop with her Granddaughters. Above all her driving force was to be a Christian leader both in her actions and in her service to others.
Years after her first Husband’s passing she married the late Reverend John Wedgewood and moved to Otterbein in September 1987. She was active at Otterbein reading the Echoes Newsletter on the closed circuit TV for 25 years. She led the Bethany prayer group for 25 years and was a leader in the Otterbein Lebanon UMC Women’s Circle for 3 years. Billie lived in constant pain due to a car accident in 1955, but gave credit to the Lord for helping her through it all. The seeds of faith she planted in the area will continue her legacy.
She was preceded in death by husband’s Charles James, Rev. John Wedgewood, daughter Mary C. Sesslar, stepson Richard Wedgewood, 3 brothers and 1 sister. Survivors include son Charles D. (Sandra) James of Carmel, IN, Thomas R. (Donna) James of Centerville, OH, Ronald Lee (Chris) James of Waynesville, Oh; daughter-in-law Mary Wedgewood; son-in-law Jim Sesslar; step-son John David Wedgewood; 10 grandchildren; 2 step-grandchildren and currently 16 great grandchildren and 1 brother Jack Walker of LA, Calif.
Funeral service will be 2:00 Pm Tuesday Aug. 4, 2015 at the Otterbein Home Chapel 585 N. St. Rt. 741 Lebanon with visitation one hour prior to the service. Rev. George Phillips will officiate. Burial will follow at Miami Valley Memory Gardens Centerville, OH. The family will receive friends 6-8 Pm Monday 7/3/2015 at Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home 185 N. Main St. Waynesville, OH. If desired, contributions may be made to the Waynesville Schools 659 Dayton Rd. Waynesville, Oh 45068.
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