Frances "Carol" Billings

Frances “Carol” Caldwell Billings, 93, passed away peacefully at Pruitt Health in Elkin, North Carolina Friday, January 16, 2026. She was born in Boomer, North Carolina, and later, she and her husband raised their family in Elkin, North Carolina, where they built a life filled with love, faith, and family. She was married to her devoted husband, James Gaither “Jim” Billings, for over 69 years.

Carol found joy in the simple things—working in her flowers, spending time in her kitchen cooking and baking, and being surrounded by her family. Loving her family came as naturally to her as breathing.

She was a devoted member of Cool Springs Baptist Church, where she served as a Sunday school teacher for many years and loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, with all her heart.

She was known for her quick wit and honest heart. Carol could always make you laugh and was famous for saying exactly what she was thinking—no matter the situation or to whom she was talking. Her bold spirit and genuine personality made her unforgettable.

Carol’s love, laughter, faith, and strength will live on through her family. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who were blessed to know her.

She is survived by her husband, Jim Billings; her sons, James “Jimbo” Billings and Mark Billings; her grandchildren, Angel McGregor, husband Chris, and Andrew Billings; and her eight great-grandchildren: Alycia, Adysen, Leah, Lathan, Liam, Ruby, Lincoln, and Reagan Frances.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Johnson and Pearl Yates Caldwell; her brothers, David, Steve, Tommy, Phil, and Gene Caldwell; and her sisters, Mary C. Duncan and Jo C. Phillips.

The funeral will be 2:00 pm Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at Cool Springs Baptist Church with Pastor Jeff Collins officiating. The family will receive friends from 1-2:00 pm on Tuesday at the church. Burial will follow in the Cool Springs Baptist Church Cemetery.