Billie (Nelson) Puckett

B illie Joyce Nelson Puckett, born May 1, 1931, in Tift County, passed away at her Maple Court Assisted Living Residence on July 3, 2023. She was 92. Mrs Puckett was the daughter of James G Nelson and Willie Mae Jacobs Nelson, both deceased. She graduated from Tifton High School and attended college at Stetson and Florida State University. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Rex Nelson, and her sisters, Betty Smith and Jennie Kunes.

Mrs. Puckett met and married Thomas S (Tommy) Puckett, Sr in 1949, and they were married twenty-eight years until his death in 1977. She was an avid bridge player, and after moving to St Augustine. FL in the early 1980’s, began playing duplicate bridge competitively. She had a sharp mind, and was an oft winner, which she enjoyed. She loved her best friend and sister, Jennie Kunes, who along with Billie, had an infectious laugh and incredible sense of humor. Mrs Puckett had a clear mind until her death and lived a full life according to her own terms.

Mrs. Puckett is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Peggy and Moe Clements, and her son, Thomas S Puckett, Jr and his girlfriend, Patricia Peaden; grandchildren Al Clements of Ponte Vedra, FL, Anna Dorman of Tifton, and Jamie Clements and his partner, Lance Owen of Denver, CO. Her great-grandchildren are Luke Dorman, John Dorman, Ry Clements, Sawyer Clements, Kayla Dorman, Caroline Dorman and Teddy Dorman. She loved each one of them fiercely. She is also survived by her brother-in-law and sister -in-law, Ralph and Jean Puckett of Columbus, GA.

The Puckett family would like to extend many thanks to the Maple Court staff and nurses who worked in every way to make Mrs. Puckett feel loved, and the tender and kind care of her Abide sitters, particularly Aisha Martin, Candice Duncan, Gail Gibbs, Lakesha Johnson and Shirley Stubbins. She loved you all.

If anyone wishes to make a donation in memory of Mrs. Puckett’s life, please consider Called to Care, PO Box 2396, Tifton, GA 31793 or Hospice of Tift Area, Inc, 618 Central Ave, Tifton GA 31794.

A memorial service for Mrs Puckett will be held at a later date.

Albritton Funeral Directors is in charge of her arrangements.