Betty "Susie Q" Billings

Betty “Susie Q” Grant Billings, a lifelong New Bern resident whose home was often filled with family, football, laughter, and plenty of memories in the making, passed away surrounded by the love of those who knew her best.

Born July 20, 1956, in Craven County, Susie was one of twelve children born to the late Charlie and Opal Grant. She grew up in New Bern and, aside from a short time spent living in South Carolina, called this community home throughout her life.

For many years, Susie was a familiar face in the local grocery business. She worked at several area Piggly Wiggly stores and their predecessors, Pak-A-Sak and FoodLand. Over the years, she served as a produce manager and, more recently, as a stocker. But to Susie, work was about more than stocking shelves or getting a job done. It was about people. She loved her work family, and the friendships she made along the way meant a great deal to her.

Those who knew Susie knew that family was where her heart truly belonged.

She treasured simply being together. Her home became a gathering place for Sunday football games, Super Bowl parties, birthday celebrations, and just about any other excuse to get everyone under the same roof. She was a devoted Denver Broncos fan, and when football was on, Susie was usually watching—preferably surrounded by the people she loved.

Before football became the main attraction on Sundays, there were plenty of afternoons spent watching NASCAR. When Dale Earnhardt was still behind the wheel, Susie loved following the races, and once again, it was something made better by having family gathered around.

She also loved Michael Jackson and his music, adding another unmistakable piece to the collection of things that made Susie uniquely Susie.

More than any particular pastime, however, Susie loved making memories.
She never worried too much when the children made a mess around the house. To her, they weren't making a mess—they were making memories. That simple outlook said a great deal about Susie. A perfectly clean house could wait. Time with the people she loved could not.

Susie was loving, generous, and the kind of person people naturally enjoyed being around. She also had a feisty side. Her family will tell you with a smile that she could occasionally be a little stubborn. But that determination, independence, and unmistakable personality were all part of the woman they knew and loved.

Susie deeply missed her mother, Opal, after her passing. In the midst of their own sadness, her family finds comfort in imagining that long-awaited reunion and knowing that mother and daughter are together once again.
Susie is survived by her son, Jimmy Billings (Stacie); grandchildren, Dayton Billings (Mikala), Summer Ipock (Chandler), Devon Billings (Allona), and Aleena Billings (Collin); great-grandchildren, Everly, Jasper, Malia, Mallory, and Paisley; sisters, Brenda Mixon and Shirley Todd; brother, Willie Grant (Janice); along with many extended family members, friends, coworkers, and others whose lives were made a little brighter by knowing Susie.

In addition to her parents, Charlie and Opal Grant, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Eugene Grant, Charlie Grant, Jr., Kenneth Grant, and Ernest Grant; and sisters, Debbie Warren, Wanda Jones, and Faye McKown.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a service celebrating Susie’s life at Greenleaf Memorial Park Lakeside Chapel on Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.

In keeping with Susie’s easygoing spirit and love for the Denver Broncos, the family invites those attending to come comfortably dressed. Guests are encouraged to add a touch of Broncos orange and blue, or simply wear something bright and cheerful in celebration of the joy and personality Susie brought to the lives of those around her.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Susie’s memory are invited to consider helping her family with funeral expenses. Contributions may be made directly to Bennett Funeral & Cremation Care, either in person or by calling (252) 877-0134. The family is deeply grateful for every expression of kindness, support, and love shown to them during this difficult time.

As those who loved Susie gather to remember her, there will certainly be sadness because her place among them cannot be filled. But there will also be stories, laughter, memories of football Sundays and family gatherings, and perhaps even a smile when someone remembers that familiar feisty streak.

Because, as Susie herself understood so well, sometimes what looks like a mess is really just evidence that a family has been busy making memories.

Bennett Funeral & Cremation Care is honored to serve the family and friends of Betty “Susie” Grant Billings.