Shirley Joanne

Billett

Shirley Joanne Billett, age 92 of Lake City, passed away on September 23, 2026 at her home surrounded by her family. Shirley was born on August 30, 1934 in Portland, Maine to Ivan and Carol (Hunter) Smith. She married Aaron Billett on May 22, 1981 at the Billett farm in Lake City.

Shirley worked at the Travelers Insurance Company, Wolverine Power, Lake City School as a teacher’s aide, and spent time at Friends Ministry. She was a member of Community Church of Christ, the Cadillac Community Chorus and the Lake City Child Study Club. She enjoyed sewing, country dancing, traveling, camping and feeding the birds.

She is survived by her husband Aaron Billett of Lake City, children; Thera Gardeon (Jo) of Northern MI, Heather Jean (Allen) Markovich of Arkansas, Tracy Pursley (Mike) and Chris Bridson (Tim) both of Northern, MI., grandchildren; Coban Holmes (Christina), Nuel Bridson Jones (Jennifer), Ferrin Bridson, Natasha Cooper (Calvin), Walker Bridson (Stephanie), Tabatha Mullins, Tara (Blake) Kornelis, Andrew Markovich and Sarah (Brandon) Rehaks and 13 great-grandchildren, sister Judy Horner, and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, siblings Paul Smith and Linda Kenny, and many in-laws.

A memorial service will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, October 10, 2026 at the Lake City Community Church of Christ 6536 W. Blue Rd (M-55) Lake City, MI 49651. Burial will take place in the Oak Grove cemetery in Jennings. Memorial contributions can be directed to Hospice of Michigan 989 Spaulding SE Ada, MI 49301. The online obituary can be visited at burkholderfunerals.com. The family is being served by the Burkholder-Nielsen Funeral Home in McBain.