Willie "Billie" Lee (Hart) Warren

Willie Lee Hart Warren ("Billie")

March 31, 1928 – April 11, 2025

Willie Lee Hart Warren, affectionately known as "Billie," passed away peacefully on April 11, 2025 in Thomasville, North Carolina, at the age of 97.

Born on March 31, 1928, in Oxford, North Carolina, Billie was a woman of immense talent, faith, and dedication. A gifted musician from a young age, she pursued her passion for music at Meredith College, where she was recognized as a concert pianist. Her love for teaching led to an extraordinary career spanning over 50 years in Salemburg, North Carolina, where she nurtured and inspired countless students as a devoted piano teacher.

Billie’s unwavering love for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, was at the heart of her life and work. She faithfully served as the organist and choir director at Salemburg Baptist Church, where she also founded and directed the handbell choir. Her deep sense of calling to glorify God through music was evident in all she did. She often shared how she knew, even as a child, that God had blessed her and guided her life, and she gave Him all glory and honor. Beyond her remarkable musical gifts, she possessed a unique gift of exhortation, encouraging and equipping many to pursue musical excellence.

Billie was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 65 years, Alton E. Warren. She leaves behind a cherished legacy through her children, Alton Lee Warren, Melanie Warren Crowder (Gerry), and Elliott Martin Warren (Olivia), as well as six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held on April 23, 11am at Salemburg Baptist Church, 300 N. Main St., Salemburg, NC. Following the service, there will be visitation and lunch at the Salemburg Baptist Church Family Life Center. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Salemburg Baptist Church Music Ministry, in her honor.

Billie’s life was a testimony to the Christian faith of love, worship and the power of music to inspire and uplift. Her legacy will continue to resonate through the many lives she touched.

Services entrusted to Butler Funeral Home, 401 W Roseboro Street, Roseboro, NC 28382.