Billye Jayne Ms. Hemphill

Billye Jayne Mathis Hemphill; loving mother, bridal consultant, and accomplished floral designer, instructor, and judge; passed away Sunday, April 2, 2017 in Johnson City, TN at the age of 89. Billye was born June 15, 1927 in Chattanooga, TN, the only daughter of Claude W. and Lucille Mathis who both preceded her in death. She was a graduate of Central High School where she was crowned Miss Central High her senior year and attended the University of Chattanooga. Ms. Hemphill is survived by a son, William Kenneth (Jean) of Johnson City, TN and two beloved grandchildren: Michael Alexander (Kathryn) of Islip, NY, and Benjamin Richard studying in Boulder, CO. She was a lifelong floral designer and champion of the natural environment. A member of the Bachman Gardeners and Maple Acres Garden Club of Chattanooga, she became a judge in 1963. While living in Japan in the 1970s, she immersed herself in the culture rising to the rank of instructor in the Ichiyo and Ikenobo schools of Ikebana. In 1976 she was certified a Master Judge of Flower Shows by the National Council of State Garden Clubs. After relocating to Tampa, FL, she continued her involvement in the floral design arts as an active member and leader of the Old Fashioned Garden Circle (Town & Country), Floralia Club #2, the Tampa Federation of Garden Clubs, and Florida Council of Nationally Accredited Flower Show Judges. Providing both a critical eye as well as support and encouragement, she taught flower arranging to a multitude of fellow garden clubbers and at the Hillsborough Community College. After retiring from retail sales, she served many years as a volunteer at the Federation?s Wekiva Youth Camp teaching crafts and an appreciation for conserving Florida?s natural environment. Billye was an active member of her churches: Trinity Woodmore Methodist in Chattanooga and then Wesley Memorial United Methodist in Tampa where she volunteered, facilitated and mentored in such programs as the single moms program. A two-time survivor of cancer, Billy channeled her fierce energy into various support groups for women. The Hemphill family extends their deep gratitude to the personal care staff and residents of the Sherwood Cornerstone Village independent living and convalescent facilities for their assistance and sincere compassion. Announcements of a memorial service and celebrations of life will be forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to East Tennessee State University College of Nursing Johnson City Downtown Day Center (Johnson City Day Center, c/o ETSU College of Nursing, PO Box 70629, Johnson City, TN 37614) or the Wekiva Youth Camp (Wekiva Youth Camp, c/o Tampa Garden Club, 2629 Bayshore Blvd., Tampa, FL 33629).