Ms. Cola Dean Bilbrey

Ms. Cola Dean Bilbrey age 87 of Smithville passed away Saturday, November 11, 2017 at NHC Healthcare Center in Smithville. She was born July 25, 1930 to her parents, Clyde and Gertrude Speck Miller. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Bilbrey; son, Michael David Bilbrey and 1 brother, A.J. Miller. She founded Sunbelt Real Estate, Cola Dean was the first broker in DeKalb County to join the Eastern Middle TN Association of Realtors. She was a pioneer in her profession. Cola Dean was an appraiser and a faithful member of the Smithville First Freewill Baptist Church. She enjoyed playing the piano and singing, for a time she sang with The Emmanuels and also enjoyed singing with her children and family. Survivors include 1 daughter, June Bilbrey (Bill) Benson of Smithville; son, Mark (Karen) Bilbrey of Florida; 6 grandchildren, Franklin (Jenny) Baker, Robin Baker, Jeremy Bilbrey, Brandi Bathon, Dustin Bilbrey and B.J. Bilbrey; 11 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Colleen Alexander and Betty Jean King. A Celebration of Life for Cola Dean will be conducted 1 PM Friday, November 17, 2017 at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. Bernard Houk and Jenny Baker officiating and burial will follow in Harris Chapel Cemetery in Rickman with a graveside service at 3:30 PM. Visitation with the family will be on Thursday 6:PM until 8:PM and Friday 11 AM until the time of the service at 1 PM. In addition to flowers, the family ask that donations be made to Smithville First Freewill Baptist Church or to the Alzheimer’s Association, in memory of Ms. Cola Dean. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.