CHARLOTTE – Winslow Anne Knowles Boatright, 88, of Charlotte, passed away on Wednesday, November 25, 2020. “Billie Anne” as she was known to all, was born on August 25, 1932, to the late Winslow and Annie Benton Knowles.

Billie Anne grew up in Charlotte with her mother, Annie. She lost her father to an accident right before she was born and lived with her mother a good part of her adult life. During her childhood, she became extremely close to her cousins, Brenda and Phyllis. They developed a special bond, becoming more like sisters, and remained close over the years. She became “Aunt Billie” to their children and was always involved in their lives. She loved to dote on them and considered them her nieces and nephews. When they were small, she often threw them birthday parties, made them cakes, and continued to make them feel special through their adulthood.

Billie Anne worked for R.H. Bouligny and it was there that she met the love of her life, Roger Boatright. They were married for 41 years before he proceeded her in death in 2017. The two of them served their church, Central United Methodist Church where they were members for many years before transferring to First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. Billie Anne taught Sunday School at CUMC for many years. Faithful servants and always together, the two of them volunteered at Loaves and Fishes, they gave and cared for others and their kindness was abundant. Many stories shared of them speak of their compassion for others. She had a love for crystal and gnomes and over the years Roger filled her curio with them. They were some of her prized possessions and a conversation piece when visiting their home. Although she will be missed by her entire family and friends, we all know Roger was waiting for her with open arms!

Billie Anne enjoyed cross-stitch, was an amazing artist, painting beautiful landscapes and animals, and was always giving them to those she loved. Her love shown to family, friends, children, and others was the kind of person she was. “Aunt Billie” was special to everyone that knew her and to know her was to love her.

She is survived by Brenda Pope Cahoon (Dexter); her sister-in-law, Corrine Boatright Abernethy (Jack), and several nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank her friends, Frances Kirby and Joyce Deaton for their loving devotion and caregiving over the years. They were like family to her and she cared deeply for each of them. Also, Shepparton Senior Care Home for their loving care of Billie Anne for the last year.

A graveside service to celebrate the life of Billie Anne will be held on Tuesday, December 1, 2:00 pm at Sharon Memorial Park, 5716 Monroe Rd, Charlotte, NC 28212 officiated by Rev. Chuck Williamson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Alzheimer’s Association.