Billie Jean Davidson

Billie Jean Davidson, age 76, went home to her Heavenly Father on January 1, 2025. Born on October 14, 1948, in Birmingham, AL, Billie was the only child of Virgil and Dorothy Gentry. She leaves behind two sons, Brent and Randy Davidson, a granddaughter, Amber Rose Davidson, age 24 and grandson Sajan Davidson, age 13.

Billie was a devoted mother and grandmother, fondly known as “Nana,” as well as a dear friend to so many. Her loving spirit extended far beyond family as demonstrated by one of her cherished sayings, “Friends are the family you choose.” This sentiment reflected her approach to life—welcoming everyone with an open heart, offering a seat at her table, and embracing others without judgment.

She spent much of her career in the education system extending her compassion for others towards the learning and development of children and families in support of educators. She retired from the Tuscaloosa County School Board in 2020 and followed her dream of living at the beach for several years in Gulf Shores, AL before returning to Tuscaloosa.

As one of her hobbies, Billie had an eye for home décor and loved to make new spaces come to life. But more importantly, her innate warmth made every place she lived feel like home. Her greatest joy was making the people around her happy. As her sons got older, she crafted birthday songs that were silly, loving, and memorable messages that became the most anticipated present of all.

Billie will be missed by many, but her spirit and memory live on through her extensive community of loved ones. A memorial service will be held in the chapel at First Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa on Saturday, January 18th at 10 AM, where friends and family are invited to honor her memory and share cherished stories. Norwood-Wyatt Chapel will be directing the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to First Baptist Church of Tuscaloosa.