Billie Jean Secrest

Mrs. Billie Jean Secrest of McKnight Lane near Varnville died late Friday night at her residence.

Mrs. Secrest was born August 7, 1945 in Monroe, North Carolina, a daughter of the late Hoyle Edward Keziah and Essie Mae Brooks Keziah.  She loved cooking and had a special talent for sewing and quilting for her family and friends.

Surviving are her husband Donald Zeb Secrest, Sr., to whom she had been married for 56 years;  Sons: Don Secrest and wife Joyce of Monroe, North Carolina, Doug Secrest and wife Amy of Waxhaw, North Carolina, and Jason Secrest and wife Amanda of Olathe, Kansas;  Daughters:  Karen Reeder and husband Ricky of North Myrtle Beach, Sandi Clark and husband Brian of Varnville;  Sisters:  Dorothy Tsitouris of Monroe, North Carolina and Starr Friend of Lancaster;  13 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.  Mrs. Secrest was predeceased by a daughter:  Donna Gaile Lefler;  Brother:  Edward Keziah:  and a Sister:  Arbutus Mullis.

Graveside services will be 1 PM Monday in the Sand Hill Cemetery near Varnville, conducted by Rev. Dr. Tommy Kelly and directed by Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home.

The family suggests that those who wish may send memorials to the Hollings Cancer Center c/o Medical University of South Carolina, 86 Jonathan Lucas Street, Charleston, SC 29425 or the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.

The family will receive friends immediately following the services at the Cemetery.