Billie Sandra Orr Armstrong

Billie Sandra Orr Armstrong

Our world lost a little bit of sunshine when Billie Armstrong entered Heaven's gate on June 11, 2025.

Billie Sandra Orr Armstrong was born on July 31,1942, to William and Mary Kathryn (Cassie) Lewis Orr. She grew up in Soddy Daisy, and treasured her years as a majorette in her high school band. In the years following, Billie moved to Washington D.C where she began a job as a typist for the FBI. She made many friends and memories during that time including watching John and Jackie Kennedy pass by at his inauguration parade. When she returned to Chattanooga, Billie embraced her most treasured role, as a mother. She later began working at Blue Cross Blue Shield of TN where her proudest professional accomplishment was her position as BCBST Credit Union Manager. In this role, she was regarded as a smart, capable and kind leader.

Billie's memory will always be cherished by her husband of 35 years, James (Jim) Armstrong who loved her dearly. They spent their many happy years together traveling (often with close friends Gwen Holden and her late husband, Bill), dancing and enjoying life with friends and family. Her children believe Jim was the best thing that ever happened to Billie and their relationship was a beautiful thing.

Billie treasured her children, Brad Whalen (Lindsey), Bart Whalen (Denise), Wendy Evett (Dana) and stepchildren, Chris Armstrong (Julie) and Julie Wade (Jake). Her children will always remember Billie as a strong, selfless, loving mother. She taught them by example and rarely gave advice because she wanted them to learn their own way in the world, but she was always there to pick them up when needed. Even though they like to joke about who was her favorite, they all know they were deeply loved and they adored their mother.

Those lucky enough to call her "Bibi" are her grandchildren: Hunter Evett, Trevor Evett (Kelley), Shelby Whalen, Soni Coleman (Grayson), Kaitlyn Whalen, Knox Whalen, Emily Armstrong, Harris Armstrong, Easton Wade and Taylor Wade. They will always treasure memories with Bibi which included trips to the beach & Gatlinburg, family Christmas gatherings and sweet, simple summer days at the pool. Billie was also thrilled to become a great-grandmother in recent years when Liam and Addy Evett were born. Nothing in this world gave Billie more joy than the people listed above and she had a special relationship with each one of her grandchildren.

Billie also cherished and is survived by her sisters, Connie Sluder (Ron) and Annette Dolberry (Keith) along with their families.

The Armstrong/Whalen family thanks Brainerd UMC's Kingsbury Class for their friendship, prayers & support. Special appreciation also to Summer Kardes and Tonya Henderson (along with many Erlanger nurses and staff on the Orthopedic floor) for the loving care they provided to Billie and her family. We are so very grateful for the important work you do.

The family invites you to celebrate Billie's life with us at 4 pm on Saturday, June 14, 2025 in the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home with Rev. Gloria Scott officiating. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 pm prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Billie's memory to the band program at Soddy Daisy High School either by mailing a check to SDHS Band, 618 Sequoyah Road, Soddy Daisy, Tn. 37379 or through the band's website. You can also honor Billie's memory by remembering to bring sunshine into the world by taking time to soak in the joy of reading a good book, having lunch with friends at Chick-fil-A or enjoying the simple beauty of a walk in your neighborhood with someone you love.

Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory, and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, Tn. 37343.