Our beloved mother, Billie Jean Sewell, age 88, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at Pontotoc Extended Care after an extended illness. Our father always referred to her as “Hon”–short for “honey”–and that’s how her grandchildren remember her. She was their Hon.

She was born February 19, 1935 in Toccopola, MS to Hubert L. and Doris Pickens Thomas, and lived a wonderfully meaningful life as a wife, mother, grandmother, friend, social worker, faculty member, and advocate for those in need.

Mom had a tremendous impact on many lives during her 22-year tenure at The University of Mississippi in the Social Work Department, and she retired as chair of the department. Chairing that department was one of the proudest accomplishments of her life. She was active in several state-wide and national organizations where she had a positive impact, including the NASW and the Mississippi Home Board. She was also active in her local church throughout her life. She particularly enjoyed teaching and fellowshipping with her Sunday School ladies at First Baptist-Pontotoc.

Our family is deeply grateful for the excellent care Mom received at the North Mississippi Medical Center Nursing Home at Pontotoc, particularly by Britt Huffstatler and Katherine Souter. They loved on our Mom every day.

Services will be at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, December 7, 2023, at Browning Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Ken Hester officiating. Burial will follow in West Heights Cemetery. Browning Funeral Home in Pontotoc is honored to assist with the arrangements.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m., immediately prior to the service, at the funeral home.

Survivors include her two daughters, Lauren Ingraham (Jim), and Jeanna Boothe (Leigh); her son, Tom Sewell (Melissa); a sister-in-law, Linda Thomas; seven grandchildren, Emily Sewell Jones (Dane), Erica Gray (Taylor), Alex Boothe, Andrew Boothe, William Ingraham, Caleb Bolen (Ashley) and Ben Bolen (Ashley); and nine great-grandchildren, including Cadence Bolen.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lewis Sewell, and her brother, Keith Thomas.

Pallbearers will be Jim Ingraham, William Ingraham, Leigh Boothe, Alex Boothe, Andrew Boothe, and Chris Thomas.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to First Baptist Church Pontotoc Education Building Fund at 31 W. Washington St., Pontotoc, MS 38863.

Condolences may be offered at www.browningpontotoc.com.