LeeAnna Billups was born to the union of Herman Billups and Mary Lou Henson Billups on Sunday, July 21st, 1957 in Harlem, New York. She was the fourth of six children. LeeAnna departed this life on Wednesday, April 29th after a long and arduous battle. LeeAnna had a true warrior spirit which was evidenced in her character and all that she accomplished. It was her way of life.
LeeAnna graduated from Harlem Prep. She held a bachelor’s of Science degree with a minor in Sociology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. LeeAnna had a diverse career, oftentimes working with troubled and at-risk youth. She served as a NYC Manhattan Central Booking Intake Specialist, Education Coordinator/Caseworker with Leake and Watts, Inc., Intake Specialist with Stanley Isaacs Neighborhood Center, Follow-up Specialist with STRIVE—East Harlem Employment Service, Teacher with NYC DOE and a Paralegal with Rogers & Wells LLP. LeeAnna loved her position as an Educator Coordinator, assisting special needs children as a one-on-one monitor in the Monroe-Woodbury school system. She was a member of the Minisink Tapawingo Honor Society.
LeeAnna was fabulous, vivacious; always fashionably dressed and meticulous. Fun-loving and beloved by many, she was the focal point of her close-knit extensive family. Affectionately known by her family as “TeeLee”, (a name she was given by her sixth-born nephew, Marvin. It stuck, when as a toddler he couldn’t pronounce her name). LeeAnna was named after her paternal grandmother. As an endeared aunt, LeeAnna embraced each of her sixteen nieces and nephews, grandnephew and two grand nieces as her own. She touched each of their lives bringing meaning to the old adage; “It takes a village to raise a child”. She attended graduations from pre-K to Graduate, school performances, basketball, soccer and football games to lend support and encouragement to her nephews and nieces. LeeAnna was not only an aunt but a friend to the children of the family. She was a doting daughter and made certain that her mother, Mary, was well-cared for; keeping her fashionable and accompanying her on many vacation trips and family gatherings. LeeAnna was responsible for organizing the famous Billups Family barbecue which became an annual tradition attended by family and friends. LeeAnna was an avid basketball and football fan. A devoted friend, spanning relationships cultivated over a lifetime, including those from her youth.
Preceded in death by her father Herman Billups, life partner Vaughn Baylor and beloved pet Shih Tzu; “ChuChu”. LeeAnna leaves to cherish her memory; her mother Mrs. Mary Lou Billups, Siblings: , Herman W. Billups, Karen (Joseph) Horry, Gregory (Janet) Billups, Robert (Yvonne) Billups, Marvin (Debra) Billups and Earl Holland. Nieces and nephews: Aswad Billups, Herman Billups and Chrisdalene Billups—God Daughter Nathania (Franklyn) Billups-Grenaway, Ariana (Michael) Adams, Tajlia Horry, Courtney (Nathan) Ramsey, J’Nel Billups, Jenise Billups, Gregory Billups, Jr., Robert Billups, Jr., Ryan Billups, Marvin (Mandy) Billups, Jr., Alexis Billups, Stewart Holland, John Holland. Great Nephew and Nieces: Christopher Adams, Maya Adams and Avery Adams. Aunt: Mrs. Betty Henson. Uncle: Lovell (Lillie) Billups. Friends: Gale Lockhart, Juanita Lewis, Darlene Rivers, Quentin Joyner, Sandy Lewis, Victor Fleming, Luther Smith, and a host of cousins and friends. LeeAnna was loved and will be missed dearly. We are comforted in knowing that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.
Lovingly Submitted, The Family
A celebration of life took place online via Virtual Memorial Gatherings on Saturday, May 16th at 1:00 PM EDT.
Sign Our Guest Book
To sign the guest book, please post your memories, comments or thoughts in the comment box below. When you post your comment you will be prompted to add your name. Your entry will be approved by a moderator before it appears on the page. Please note that your comment will not appear when you post. Please allow time for the moderator to approve your post.
Kathy McDonnell
@
It was a gift and a blessing to have worked and become friends with LeeAnna at North Main Elementary. LeeAnna loved the students in her care. She not only guided them academically but she was comforting, gentle and never failed to remind them to say "please, thank you and excuse me" if they forgot their manners.
I was amazed to read of LeeAnna’s many accomplishments, she never spoke or boasted about them. She was very humble and more interested in talking about you than of herself. What she did love to talk about was her family and the love and pride she had for all of you! She was so proud when Alexis joined the NYPD and very excited that she would be able to attend her graduation ceremony. She was thrilled too about Marvin’s wedding, not to mention all the wonderful family get-togethers and activities you all shared.
LeeAnna I will miss our conversations and your gentleness, rest in peace my friend.
Michelle Pereira
@
I had the honor of working with LeeAnna at North Main Elementary during which time we shared many similar stories that always ended on a positive note and with a big smile from LeeAnna. Deepest condolences to the entire Billups family–may the support and prayers from loved ones guide you through this difficult time. Rest in peace LeeAnna.
Laura lawyered
@
Rest In Peace my friend ?
Jessica Reynolds
@
I had the privilege of working with LeeAnna in my classroom at North Main. She was such a loving and kind woman who we will all deeply miss. My condolences to the Billups Family. May you Rest In Peace, LeeAnna ❤️
Avon Morgan
@
You will be missed.
R.I.P.
Jeanine Stuckey
@
My Deepest heartfelt condolences to the Billups family. In LeeAnna I had my very own fashion stylist, lol!! We shared many low spots ( off the radar of others) for our shoes, outfits and even hair styles!!! SIP MY SISTER ❤️❤️❤️
Patricia Oliver
@
My condolences goes out to the Billups Family. LeeAnna take your rest, we love you. But God loves you best. Love Patricia Oliver & Family
Kim Woodlon-White
@
My deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family . LeeAnna, May you Rest In Peace.
Kenny & Kim
@
LeeAnna, such a beautiful person with a beautiful spirit which will never be forgotten SIP sweet one? Kenny & Kim
Douglas Matthews
@
My condolences to the family. I known Lee Anna’s family since the sixties. When I met a brother Herman we hit it off immediately. I ask May the true God welcome her home. She is a true treasure that smile. My mother was promoted 1973 she’s resting in Ferncliff also when I go clean a grave I will stop by and pay my respects to my mother and my son I will stop by and pay my respects to her also and clean a great wolf also since they’re together in the same area. Again my condolences Doug Matthews Matthew’s New York.
Brenda G Sargent
@
Whenever I would hear Lee Anna’s name, my first thought would always be that beautiful smile. I didn’t know her well, but she was a part of the Minisink Family and that’s where I knew her from. You’ve gotten your wings Lee Anna, soar high. God truly needed another Angel. Rest Peacefully. My sincere condolences to the entire Billups family.
Kelly Randall
@
My condolences to the Billups family.Leanna was and is a beautiful kindhearted woman
Kelly Randall
@
Leanna I was 18yrs old when I met you and you looked out for me .Your brother Herman was my friend.And I will never forget you .Love you and thank you for your kind words and heart
Roslin Spigner
@
My condolences to the Billups Family. I pray that someday soon your heavy hearts will heal. Your shining star Leann will never be forgotten.
Cynthia Francis-Bolt
@
Deepest sympathies from Michael and Cynthia bolt I saw the service it was a beautiful one rest in peace Leanna your tap sister Cynthia
Brenda M. Francis
@
My Condolences to the Billup Family. I have know Lee Anna since maybe 12 or 13 years old. She is my sister and was very sad and hard broke when I heard of her passing. Remember our camp years brought a smile to my face. She is no longer in pain and is with the Lord. May peace be with you and your family.
Cherita Griffin
@
To the Billups Family….I am so sorry for your loss on such a special and amazing woman, LeeAnna. I looked at her as an aunt and remember the days when she and my aunt Darlene would be dressed to the nines in their fur coats! She will be missed.
Valzina Lewis
@
I knew LeeAnna when she was younger and she was always a beautiful person inside and out! I’m sorry to hear about her passing. She will be remembered!! I’m praying for the family she will be missed
Shirley gethers
@
To a awsome family i will alway love my heart is full of love for leanna we’ve none each other for over 50 years we never say nameswe say sis in law we’ve hung out we did things together through the years when i got sick she would give me her prayers when she got sick we talk long periods of time of how she felt thats my girl every day we would texts eack other sometimes mommy would be their with her and we all talk but them i got sick and like before we would pray for each other but say this i will continue to talk to her she will forever be in my heart say i wont say good bye cause she stillhere in my heart face is clear thats my sis love her always and forever more your angel now and you are amoung us now
Leslie & Jeffrey
@
I’m so sorry for the family loss she was a very special person she help me (Lay) & Jeff when came to New York she drove us around but God had other plans it was time for her to get those Golden Wings so fly high we will cherish those memories forever Love you from Jeff & Lay???
Diane Hines
@
Our family is sending our heartfelt condolences to the Billups family. May God give you strength and comfort your family in your time of sorrow. Leeanna will always be remembered as an elegant lady, with a loving personality. Her radiant smile will truly be missed. Rest In Peace Leeanna
florence strickland
@
My deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family . LeeAnna my childhood friend May you Rest In Peace. Gone but never forgotten!!
florence strickland
@
My deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family. LeeAnn my childhood friend may you Rest In Peace . Gone but never forgotten!
April Bivens
@
To The Billups Family,
Maya Angelou said "A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again."
With deepest sympathies,
William & April Campbell
Juanita Lewis
@
Farewell Lee Anna,
My sister, My friend, Buds to the end. You were a staple in my life, as we grow from kids to adults . Due to your match making skills Rodney & I have been together since your introduction 45 years ago. I thank you for that… two children Rodney & Jasmine and six grandchildren. I will miss your witness, smile and goofy laugh. Rest now… my sister you are at Peace. Juanita & Rodney Lewis
Love you Juanita & Rodney
Gail Lockhart
@
Dear LEEANNA ,
It was a really good journey from 1979 John jay college, a few detours and bumps in between but we came back together every time and I rocked out with you to the last days ? so my actions Will always speak much louder Then any words could ever!!!
“You already know REAL people do real things” ( we always said that right LEEANNA)??? and the LAUGHTER it was insane???u know how we give it up!!
But what I do know is (love is a verb its an action word) so it’s more of what you do ?less of what you say ❤️
So thank you? my Dear Sis/Friend for allowing me to use my clinical skills, to show my love , friendship and sisterhood and thank God for me having a clear conscious because once you do your best God got the rest??Also My Parents adored You?
So With love from this life to the next The Lockhart family sincerest condolences?❤️? ??♀️??
I sent you excepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and for giving us of your sins I’ll see you in the next life baby we got more laughs and more jokes to come I got to get
Lawon Gardner
@
LeeAnna words can not describe how much I will miss our “Cat Walk Talks”. You had such a way of inspiring me through those conversations. LeeAnna you will be missed! My condolences to the Billiups family. S.I.P Warrior??
Frank Lewis
@
Please accept Our Deepest Condolences of the Passing of Lee Anna ( daughter, sister, auntie, cousin, friend, protector and warrior) although she’s gone in the physical form her spirit will shine through each and everyone Iike her smile did when greeting her. Love the Lewis/Shine Family
Robert Harris
@
My Deepest Condolences to all, and May she Rest In Peace.
Andrew olive
@
My deepest condolence, Leeann had A beautiful personality as always smiled. May she rest in peace. Another angel watching over us Prayers to the family.
Kim Graves
@
LeeAnna was a big sister to many of the 1199 girls growing up, she would always give the BEST advice and would always steer you in the right direction if she didn’t have the answer, which most of the time she did. LeeAnna you will be missed dearly! There’s comfort knowing that you are not suffering any longer and will have eternal peace! Soar high sweet angel!
Kim Graves
Thomas Daniels
@
Thomas Daniels
Stacey Duprey
@
LeeAnna was one of the Big Sisters I looked up to and admired when I was growing up in C Building. She always showed me love, even when I was just a little pain in the neck girl playing on the 2nd floor. I remember wanting to be like her and dress like her because she was the bomb even back then and that never changed. Neither did LeeAnna’s loving way it only expanded in how she loved me, Wallace, and our kids, especially Cristin. There was never a time I was in LeeAnna’s presence that I didn’t feel cared about. She would always tell me how proud she was of me and the woman and mother I had grown up to be. Coming from her, that was huge. Her family was everything to her and that is just a testament to how the Billups Family rolls. We want our Billups Family to know how much we love you all. We pray you comfort and peace. And may you rest in the assurance that LeeAnna will always be in your heart until you meet her again in your future.
Our love always
Stacey and Wallace
jacqueline frazier
@
MY SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY MAY GOD COMFORT YOU THROUGH THIS TIME OF NEED. I GREW UP WITH LEE ANNA IN 142 ST. A FRIEND WITH A HEART OF GOLD ALWAYS SMILING AND HELPING SOMEONE.. SIP MY SIS** ??????
Kenneth Bolt
@
LeeAnna: I will always remember your beautiful smile and joyful personality…May you Rest In Peace in HEAVEN. My heartfelt condolences and prayers to the whole Billups family.
Linda Jean Woodard
@
Condolences to the Billups family may you all find peace and understanding with the transition of Leeann. Rest in Peace Leeann
Alicia Myers
@
LeeAnna had such a great personality and a big heart. I loved visiting with her and Aunt Mary Lou and all of the family when I was young and as I grew older. She always welcomed me with big hugs and open arms. I wish I visited more to have more time with her and the rest of the family. I will truly miss cousin LeeAnna. Condolences and prayers to my family.
Love,
Alicia Myers and Family
Daniel T. Brown
@
PRAYERS for strength to this beautiful family on the loss of a Queen. ………………
Sharon Moss
@
My condolences go out to the Billups family so sorry for your loss Leanna was a sweet lady she was always nice and sweet she will be missed love you all God bless
James Clark
@
Your warmth and kindness will Never be Forgotten . The Smile you always give will Forever be in my Mind. You were Given your wings to Soon but you Truly Deserve Them. Thank You for being my friend my Heart ❤️ Hurts that you are Gone and I ? didn’t get a chance to say Goodbye I will Always miss That Beautiful Smile and personality ?RIP I will miss you ??❤️?❤️❤️❤️???????
Ron Campbell
@
LeeAnna will truly be missed. I’ll always remember her smile and amazing personality. My deepest condolences the enitre Billups family
Toronica Pryor
@
My deepest, heartfelt sincere condolences to the entire Billups Family. You all are blessed to have been loved by LeeAnna and we are blessed to have known her. Blessings
Toronica Pryor
Cleo
@
Words cannot express the hurt I feel for you n your family. She will strongly be missed n may God see you through the storm.
Latif
@
My condolence go out to the family !!
Robert Taylor
@
Y’all have my deepest and sincere condolences and may the queen warrior rest in heavenly Peace ???
Danny Norton
@
My DEEPEST and most sincere CONDOLENCES for your LOSS I have love for Leeanna and always will, we grew up together and I consider her my BELOVED sister. REST IN ETERNAL HEAVEN.
Theresa
@
My deepest and sincerest condolences to the Billups Family, as well as each and every person TeeLee touched… TeeLee was as caring as she was fly; as thoughtful as she was funny; and as lively as her smile was bright. Remember her that way, I know I will. ❤️
Henrietta FelderFelder-Duprey
@
LeeAnn was a very likable person people gravitate to
And always very helpful.
She going to be very much miss.
Frank K. Billups
@
Cuz
I will miss you, your kindness, and the feeling of family when we first met and every time after that. Your St. Louis family will never forget you and the love you always showed whenever any of us visit New York. Praying everyday, all day for my New York family.
Luv you all.
aswad billups
@
Aunt Lee Anna Allah gives his toughest warriors the hardest battles. You fought your fight til the very end and you have lived an abundant life and received your wings! Thank You for all you’ve done for me I will miss you in the physical but I know you are by my side always and forever! Love Aswad
Ronald Young
@
My cousin, Leeann. Was a beautiful person with a glorious smile. I always enjoyed chatting with her.
We are extending our deepest sympathy to your family during this time. Our prayers and blessings are with you
Corvette Smith
@
To the Billups Family, words cannot say how sorry I am for your loss. I want you to know you have my love and my prayers. Be Blessed your long life friend Evg. Corvette Smith (Lulu)
Darlene Rivers
@
Lee God Bless You
You surrender yourself to GOD
That’s what’s important knowing the LORD!!!
I will always Cary you in my Heart
God Bless LeeAnna Billups My Sisters-in-law and Friend !!!
Barbara
@
LeeAnns I don’t know I believe GOD GIVE US A CHOICE WITH EVERYTHING IN LIFE WE FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT AND U DID THAT. THEN GOD STEP IN AND TAKE THE WHEEL AND SAY ITS TIME TO TAKE YOUR REST NO MORE FIGHTING NO MORE PAIN YOU WILL BE MISSED FRIEND. THANK U FOR BEING A PART OF OUR FRIENDSHIP RIP LEEANNA
Peggy Stith
@
LeeAnna you had a beautiful and honest heart. When I was introduced to the family, you accepted me in your guarded way. Your facial expressions always made me laugh. We were kool. When I went under that rock you never judged me, you always encouraged me to climb out. When I found out you were sick we communicated via text. I was coming to see you but it did not happened. Maybe it was GODS will. I will always remember you. Special people will always live in my heart. You are one of those special people. A Lady, True at Heart ❤️
Trina Gauthier
@
My condolences to the Billups Family