Billie Sue Rozell

Billie Rayburn Rozell lived a life that radiated love, wisdom, and unwavering dedication, touching countless lives and hearts until she passed peacefully into glory on October 3, 2025, at the age of 87. 

Surrounded by the family she cherished deeply, she leaves behind a legacy as vast as the heart that defined her.Born on May 28, 1938, in Etowah, Tennessee, to Homer and Ruby Rayburn, Billie Sue grew up with a spirit of compassion that would shape her extraordinary path. 

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 44 years, Harlis Norman Rozell, with whom she shared a profound and enduring partnership; also preceding her death were her parents, and her sister, Margie Delane Rayburn; father in law and mother in law, Ira S. and Ozellar B. Rozell, brother in law and sister in law, Charles and Virginia Rozell ; sister in law and brother in law, Reba and Sonny Sanderson, sister in law, Kay Rozell ; brother in law, Doug Hinshaw. 

Now, in eternity, she is joyfully reunited with them all.Her light continues to shine through the family she leaves behind, who will forever walk in the warmth of her unconditional love. This includes her daughter, Patricia Chaloux, and her husband, Tom; her son, Jonathan I. R. Rozell; her granddaughter, Anna Michele Chaloux Calfee, and her husband, Brandon; her great-granddaughter, Sunny Cecile Calfee; brother in law, Lawrence Rozell; and her sisters in law, Nell Rozell Kellinghausen, Jean Rozell Hinshaw, Carol Rozell Gutherie (David), Mary Rozell Klinner (Ricky), Kathy Rozell Taherpour (Shaun). Addionally, she embraced and cherished a host of aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who became family through the bonds of her heart.

A lifelong scholar and trailblazer, Billie Sue devoted more than 65 years to the nursing profession, serving as a registered nurse, educator, mentor, leader, and advocate. In 1982, she achieved her PhD in nursing, embodying her relentless pursuit of excellence amid a career filled with honors. Yet, her most treasured roles were those of Mom and Mimi—titles that captured the essence of her fierce devotion.In every interaction, she modeled acceptance, peace, wisdom, and kindness, making anyone who knew her feel truly seen, safe, and loved without condition.

Services to celebrate her life will be held at Briar Fork Cemetery and Briar Fork Primitive Church- 406 Briar Fork Road Hazel Green, AL 35750 on December 6, 2025, at 11 a.m. followed by a Celebration of Life Luncheon at Lighthouse Baptist Church-11460 Pulaski Pike, Toney, AL 35773.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org in her memory. Billie Sue didn’t merely leave this world—she transformed it, making it better, brighter, and kinder. We carry her spirit with us, always.

“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your master.” — Matthew 25:21 (ESV)

“Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.’” — Proverbs 31:28-29

Hazel Green Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.