Billie Brawley, beloved mother and grandmother, who inspired innumerable young people with her passion for music, passed away on Monday, June 23, 2025 in Mooresville, N.C. Her enthusiasm for life and her effervescent personality endeared her to all she met. She was born to the late Zoie Spears Deaton and Vance H. Sherrill on June 29, 1934. After graduating from Troutman High School, “Billie Cress” attended Mitchell College and graduated from Catawba College in 1956. She was honored to serve as May Queen at both colleges. A well-known and respected music educator, she taught public school music at Davidson, Cornelius, and Huntersville elementary schools for over 30 years. She directed numerous plays and performances and helped each student find his or her own unique voice in the grand symphony of life.

“Mrs. Brawley” also taught piano to thousands of budding musicians. Recital Day was always her favorite. Billie was an accomplished pianist and organist, having served as organist at Fieldstone Presbyterian Church, First Presbyterian Church, and First Baptist Church in Mooresville, where she also directed many youth choirs. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Mooresville, where she had served as a deacon and elder. Other organizations she devoted her time and energy to included NCMEA (North Carolina Music Educators Association), AAUW, Mooresville Garden Club, and the Iredell Community Concert Association.

She married Ray A. Brawley, the love of her life, in 1956, and they cherished their 62-year marriage. He preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Bob Sherrill.

She is survived by her daughter Rebecca (Becky) Brawley Thompson; her son Bradley R. Brawley (Samantha); five grandchildren: Elizabeth Nanney (Hunter), Avery Thompson, Katy Lackey (Justin), Jeffrey Brawley (Dakota), and Will Thompson. She is also survived by five great grandchildren, Brawley, John Hunter, Elliott, Brooks, and Jace. She leaves behind a legacy of love and light, and the gift to translate “the speech of angels” through teaching, directing, and performing.

A Memorial Service will be held to honor Billie at First Presbyterian Church on Saturday, June 28, at 11 a.m. Family will receive friends in the Fellowship Hall after the service.

Cavin-Cook Funeral Home and Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the Brawley family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.