LS - Billings, Maggie

Maggie H Billings (née Hayes) was born August 21st 1891 to Denta Hayes and an unknown father. Maggie lived in Charlotte for most, if not all her life. She had been listed as a resident of Charlotte in censuses as early as 1920. At that time, she was living with her son Richard Billings Jr. (3), and her three nephews: Sanborn Hayes (22), Barney Hayes (20), and Edward Hayes (18). It is unknown how many siblings Maggie had, however her obituary listed a surviving brother named Lester Hayes. She was marked in the census as unable to read or write and her highest grade completed in school was 2nd grade. In the 1920s, Maggie’s occupation was a cook in a private residence. Her three nephews were also unable to read or write. The oldest two worked as contractors, while the youngest worked as a cotton operator in the Cat Mill industry. At this time period, being a cotton operator referred to the various roles applied to processing cotton fibers such as tending to the machines, or weaving textiles.

Maggie lived around Charlotte, from the area near Tryon and the Latta Arcade, to the First Ward area around where highway 277 was built2. In 1922 Maggie had her second son, Leroy. Following Leroy in 1925 was Maggie’s daughter and last child, Lenora. Though it is currently unknown how Richard Billings Sr. passed away and despite Maggie being identified as a widow in the 1920 census, he is listed as father to both Richard Jr. and Leroy. Unfortunately in 1938, Maggie’s oldest son Richard Jr. would succumb to meningitis at the age of 22. Richard Billings Jr. (1916-1938) is buried in Pinewood Cemetery. In the 1940s, Maggie is living with her 17 year old son Leroy and 14 year old daughter Lenora and working full time as a coat girl in an unnamed cafe. In one short year, her 18 year old son Leroy Billings would pass away due to influenza followed by pneumonia. Leroy Billings (1922-1941) is buried in Pinewood Cemetery with his brother. Both brothers passed away in the same house 3 years apart.

In the 1950s, Maggie worked as a maid at the Johnston Building. It was built in 1924, and Maggie would have been living in the area before, during, and after its completion. By 1962, Maggie was living on Beatties Ford Road in Charlotte. Her daughter, Lenora, was already a mother by this time, making Maggie a grandmother. Not only that, Maggie was already a great grandmother by the time she passed at 97 years old in 1989. She was survived at the time by her daughter Lenora Carter, three grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and her brother Lester Hayes. Maggie passed away at her home on 1027 Willis Street with at least one of her grandchildren present at the time of her death. Unlike a lot of people who were buried at Cedar Grove, Maggie was taken care of by Beasley Funeral Home and not Alexander Funeral Home. The funeral took place at Mount Moriah Primitive Baptist Church, which is still operating.

Maggie Billings was followed in death by her daughter Lenora Billings Carter in 2001 at the age of 76. Lenora B Carter was also taken care of by Beasley Funeral Home, however she was buried at Beatties Ford Memorial Garden. At the time of her passing, Lenora left her three children Thomas L. Billings, Harriett B. Garlington, and Sandra V. Carter as well as 27 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Maggie’s lineage has more than likely grown in the 24 years since the passing of her last surviving child. As of 2001, Maggie H Billings had 27 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren living in Charlotte, the same city she spent 97 years in. Maggie H Billings is the only member of her family to be buried at Cedar Grove Cemetery.