Earlene Bluitt Billups

Earlene Bluitt Billups, a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully in the hospital on February 19, 1974. Born on March 11, 1938, in Chicago, Illinois, Earlene was a beacon of love and joy to her family and friends. The cherished daughter of Claude and Betty Mae Bliutt, Earlene grew up in a close-knit family, surrounded by the love of her parents and her siblings. She attended Doolittle Elementary School and Wendell Phillips High School in Chicago. Following her passion for learning, she pursued further education at IBM College, where she graduated and began her career as an IBM key punch operator. Earlene was known for her dedication and diligence in her work, which she carried with grace and professionalism. Earlene found love and companionship when she married Alfred Billups in 1970. Together, they built a beautiful family, blessed with two daughters, Sharon Avon Ward and Rachquel Renee Billups, and one son, Herbert Maurice Ward. Earlene's life was further enriched by her seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, each of whom brought immense joy and pride to her life. Her warmth and kindness extended far beyond her immediate family. Earlene is survived by her loving parents, Claude and Betty Mae Bliutt, her devoted husband, Alfred, and her siblings Dorothy (John) Lucas, Virginia Lavern Bliutt, Levater (Otis) Jones, and Charles Edward Bliutt. She also leaves behind three sisters-in-law, seven brothers-in-law, six uncles, ten aunts, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. To all who had the pleasure of knowing her, she was affectionately known as "Red," a testament to her fiery spirit and vibrant personality that could light up any room with her beautiful smile and quick wit. A woman of faith, Earlene was baptized at an early age at West Point Baptist Church by Rev. James Brown. Her spiritual journey later led her to Fellowship Baptized Church, where Rev. Cay Even served as pastor. Her commitment to her faith was unwavering, and she found great solace and strength in her church community. A service to honor and celebrate the life of Earlene Bluitt Billups will be held on February 19, 1974, at 7:30 PM at Fellowship Baptized Church, located at 4345 South Princeton Ave. Family and friends are invited to gather to remember the extraordinary life of a woman who touched so many lives with her compassion and love. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to a charity of their choice, in honor of Earlene's generous spirit and her lifelong dedication to helping others. Earlene Bluitt Billups will be deeply missed, but her legacy of love, kindness, and laughter will continue to inspire all who knew her. May her soul rest in eternal peace.