In Loving Memory of Billie Wells Pipes

April 27, 1932 – May 16, 2025

Billie Wells Pipes, lovingly known by nearly everyone as “Granny Bill,” passed away peacefully on May 16, 2025, in Cold Springs, Kentucky, at the age of 93.

Born in Corbin, Kentucky, on April 27, 1932, Billie lived a long and beautiful life centered on family, faith, and quiet strength. She was the devoted mother of five sons: Dennis Wells, Michael Wells (Mary Lynn), Phillip Wells (Jenny), Wendell Wells (Marlene), and Allen Wells (Cindy). She is survived by her siblings Jenny Lynn Sims, Willard Wells and Dave Wells, as well as a large and loving family of 14 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, 11 great-great-grandchildren and one great-great-great-grandchild—each of whom she cherished deeply.

Billie was preceded in death by her parents, John L. Wells, Lillian (Lawson) Wells, her first husband Earl C Wells, her second husband Donald Pipes, her beloved daughter Pamela(Wells) Collins, her granddaughter Lori Collins Gilbert Wallace and her brothers Carl and Tony Wells.

Granny Bill was truly the heart of the family. Known for her unmatched kindness and forgiving nature, she had a deep love for her family and constantly put their needs above her own. Whether related by blood or simply by love, many knew her as Granny Bill—her warmth made everyone feel like family. Whether you were related by blood or not, if you were in her orbit, you were family—and chances are, you called her Granny Bill too.

She had a sweet tooth for vanilla Frosties from Wendy’s and a special place in her heart for chocolate eclair cake. She kept her favorite black hair dye nearby and had a deep appreciation for the music of Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash. A curious spirit, Billie enjoyed researching her ancestry and treasured time spent at “the shack” in Corbin—a cozy spot her son Denny built for her, where she could reconnect with her roots and visit with family.

A faithful Jehovah’s Witness of the Taylor Mill congregation, Billie lived her beliefs with quiet dignity. Though she didn’t celebrate holidays, she was known to join the occasional gathering—especially if there was good food involved, or if it was hosted at her house. She lived with her daughter Pam until Pam’s passing in 2018, and the two were known to bicker in the most loving way—often about Billie calling out for help the moment Pam walked by.

While she will be missed beyond measure, there is comfort in knowing she is now reunited with Pam and Lori—three generations together again in a beautiful reunion that brings peace to those left behind.

Granny Bill leaves behind a legacy of love, selflessness, and unwavering devotion to her family. Her memory will continue to live on in every story shared, every laugh around the table, and every act of quiet kindness inspired by her example.

Visitation will be Saturday, June 28, 2025 from 12:00 PM until shortly before the memorial service at 2:00 PM at Kingdom Hall Of Jehovah's Witnesses, 80 Brookwood Dr., Walton, KY, 41094.  Billie will be laid to rest in a private family ceremony at Highland Cemetery, Ft. Mitchell, KY. 

Memorial donations may be directed online to Bluegrass Care Navigators.