Obituaries

Billie Jo (Bennett) Parr, age 91, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2026, in Fort Thomas, Kentucky. Born in Dry Ridge, KY, Billie spent most of her life in Northern Kentucky and was a resident of Bellevue for 65 years, a community she loved dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Opal (Bennett) Wilson and Charles Bennett, children Leon Scott Parr (Sheila Evans Brown), Susan Lynn Huiet, and Sharon Lee Rowland and grandson Jeremiah Lee Parr.

She is survived by husband Kenneth Ray Parr and son Larry Shane Parr (Colleen), daughters Shelia Leah Walton (Paul), and Stephanie Lisa Herron (Burke). Billie’s greatest joy was her family. She was a proud grandmother of Jessica, Vanessa, Sarah, Nathan, Evan, Ben, Bridgette, Margrette, Charlette, Noel, Morgan, Jacob, Austin, and William and a great-grandmother to eighteen great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren, with two more blessings on the way.

Known for her naturally bright red hair and strong spirit, Billie was a woman of deep faith whose life was defined by love, generosity, and service. During the years her children attended Bellevue High School, she was active in the Bellevue Boosters, working the ticket booth and concession stand at football games and track meets.

After a 33 year career in accounting at General Motors Acceptance Corporation in Cincinnati, Ohio—where her dedication and work ethic were widely respected—Billie retired at the age of 55 and devoted her years fully to helping others.

For more than three decades, Billie was an active and faithful member of New Hope Christian Church in Newport, Kentucky. There, she established an all volunteer food pantry that provided groceries and essential items to families in need. During the holidays, she could always be found on the phone or writing letters, tirelessly gathering support for Thanksgiving food baskets and the church’s annual Christmas toy giveaway, ensuring that low-income families and children experienced warmth and dignity during the season.

Her compassion extended far beyond church walls. Billie was deeply involved in the women’s ministry, including visiting and praying with incarcerated women. She organized food and clothing drives for victims of natural disasters and, together with Ken, quietly and faithfully helped countless individuals experiencing homelessness throughout Newport, Bellevue, and Covington.

When she wasn’t serving others, Billie found joy in simpler pleasures—traveling with Ken, especially to the beaches of Florida to visit her children and grandchildren, and treasure hunting at local flea markets, or “junking,” as she loved to call it. Those who knew her best will remember her sense of humor, selflessness and energetic community service well into her 80’s.

A giver until the very end, Billie made the selfless decision years ago to donate her body to medical research at the University of Cincinnati. The Parr family extends heartfelt gratitude to the clinicians and staff at Highlandspring of Fort Thomas for the compassionate and attentive care Billie received.

A celebration of Billie’s life will be held on Saturday, April 11, at 11:00 a.m., at Cornerstone Christian Church, 139 8th Avenue, Dayton, Kentucky 41074. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Cornerstone Christian Church, 139 8th Avenue Dayton, KY 41074.