Billie Fae Gunter Cheney, 96, was born Nov. 29, 1922, in Talladega, Alabama and died April 17, 2019.
She was predeceased by her parents, James Louis Gunter and Lillian Lenora Gunter; her husband of 52 years, Alan Breck Cheney, Sr., daughter Anne Cheney; and brothers Ned Louis Gunter and Ronald Vandegrift Gunter.
She is survived by children Celia Ellis (Wendell), Lydia Cheney (Jim Sokol), Rebecca Drake (Jack), Alan Cheney, Jr. (Paula), John Cheney, Edith Cheney (Dennis Street), and Lewis Cheney (Elizabeth); grandchildren Amy Ellis Wyrick (Ted), Neil Ellis (Anne), Albion Knight (Robin), Anna Knight Forester (Jay), Catherine Cheney Cowden (Chase), Elizabeth Cheney, Christine Cheney, Marilyn Cheney, Forrest Cheney (Aracely), Leah Cheney, Will Street, Meg Street, Sam Street, and Vivian Cheney; great-grandchildren Meredith Wyrick, Mark Wyrick, Josie Ellis, James Ellis, John Ellis, William Knight, Abigail Knight, Gus Knight, Linley Forester, Clare Forester, James Forester, Grace Forester and Ramsey Forester, Breck Cowden, Greyson Dowden and 15 nieces and nephews.
Billie was a devoted member of Lester Memorial United Methodist Church, where she was a founding teacher of the Branscomb Class. Along with husband, Alan, they were avid supporters of the arts, notably involved in Birmingham Festival of Arts and the Birmingham Civic Opera. They were also tireless supporters of the arts in Blount County, as the inspiration and producers of Gilbert and Sullivan operettas in Oneonta and by bringing a number of artists to perform locally. Travel was also a focal part of her life, spanning many years to various destinations with husband, Alan, and with her children. She was a gifted and artistic quilt maker. For more than 50 years, she produced quilts which are treasured by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be Tuesday, April 23 at Lemley Funeral Home in Oneonta from 5-7 p.m. Services will be at Lester Memorial United Methodist Church in Oneonta on Wednesday, April 24 at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at a private family service. The family suggests memorials to Lester UMC (P.O. Box 626, Oneonta, AL 35121) or Blount County Children’s Center (P.O. Box 906. Oneonta, AL 35121). Lemley Funeral Home and Crematory directing.
