Billie Adderine Simmons Brillhart was born on July 8, 1944, in Leesburg, Florida, to Bernice Cundiff and Guy “Bill” Simmons. She entered the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, leaving behind a tremendous legacy of faith, love, strength, and devotion to family.
Billie grew up in Center Hill, Florida, with her sister and brothers, surrounded by neighboring family members. It was often jokingly said that the family took up an entire county road—a testament to the close-knit family roots she treasured throughout her life.
She was married to the love of her life, Richard Brillhart, with whom she shared many happy and loving years. Together, they built a life grounded in faith, family, and unconditional love.
Billie was a strong and brave woman who earned the utmost respect and admiration of all who knew her. She worked for many years at the Bay County Tax Collector’s Office in Panama City, Florida, before retiring. Through her work and vibrant personality, she came to know countless people and was widely considered the friendliest woman anyone had ever met. Billie truly never knew a stranger.
A devoted Christian, Billie loved the Lord with all her heart. She found a cherished home at Bible Believer’s Baptist Church, where members lovingly knew and treasured her as “Sister Billie.” She found peace in sermons, knew her Bible verses and hymns by heart, and lived her faith daily through kindness and service to others.
Billie was the true matriarch and pillar of her family. She had an extraordinary memory and a deep love for those she held dear—knowing everyone’s birthday, full name, children’s names and ages, and exactly who inherited each family trait or resemblance. She was the keeper of family stories, history, and bonds.
She adored her beloved dog, Tasha, who was a true companion in every way.
Billie made the best buttermilk cornbread and fed her family home-cooked meals prepared with love. Her door was always open—you could show up unannounced at any time, and you would never leave empty-handed. She made everyone feel like family. Billie was extraordinarily generous, the kind of woman who would give anyone the shirt off her back without hesitation.
She loved her Florida Gators and never missed a football game. She loved a good nap, treasured time spent reading, and found joy in tending to her plants. Billie was a smart and capable woman whose wisdom and strength guided generations of loved ones.
She leaves behind a tremendous legacy in her family and precious final memories for those who loved her. She will never be forgotten and will forever be cherished.
Billie is survived by her sons, Hubert Myron Barnes (Phyllis) and David Adrian Barnes (Gia); daughter, Lori Greggo; granddaughters, Adrianne Fuqua (Jonathan), Amy Wojcik (Bill), Hali Wagner (Anthony), Sara Barnes (Owen), Hope Alvarez (Juan), Kaila Greggo, Michael Thomas (Isabella), KJ Lowrey (Brenna), Caitie Haywood Smith (Will); 15 great-grandchildren; siblings, Guy Simmons (Lois), Donnie Simmons (Kay), Larry Simmons (Shirley), and David Simmons (Valerie); and many extended family members, church family, and dear friends.
She was greeted in Heaven by her late husband, Richard Brillhart; son, Guy “JR” Barnes; mother, Bernice Cundiff; father, Guy “Bill” Simmons; mother-in-law, Rose Brillhart Webber; sister, Linda James; niece, Shelley James; and nephew, Brian Simmons.