Grace "Gracie" Harper Billingsley-Wilmoth

In the gentle embrace of the summer sun on June 5, 2025, Grace "Gracie" Harper Billingsley-Wilmoth slipped gracefully from our arms into the eternal embrace of the stars. Born on April 17, 2025, in the heart of Lakeland, Florida, her existence, though brief, illuminated the lives of all who knew her.

Gracie was a treasure wrapped in a blanket of curiosity and energy, a tiny spirit who brought immeasurable joy to her family. She was an adventurous soul, known for her radiant smiles and the unique ability to spark laughter and connection amongst loved ones. Whether it was staring intently at her mother, delighting in the playful tickles of her daddy's beard, or nestling contentedly on her Mimi’s chest, every moment was a mosaic of pure affection.

Though her time with us was fleeting, Grace was surrounded by love and family, which included her devoted mother, Kiersten Billingsley; her proud father, Michael Wilmoth; her spirited siblings, Mia-Lynn and Quentin; and a host of relatives including her beloved Mimi, Susan Billingsley; her cherished grandmother, Jennifer Douglas; and grandfathers Andy Douglas and William Young Jr., her great-grandpa; uncle Kyle Billingsley; beloved “Riah,” Miriah Vandervort; great-grandmothers Laverne Hodge (Granny) and Janet Wilcutt (Nanet); and her extended family, The Troxlers and The Prices, who all witnessed the magic of her laughter and the warmth of her presence, forever etching their hearts with cherished memories.

Grace was preceded in death by cherished family members who now hold her in their arms in Heaven: her grandfather Stephen Billingsley; great-grandfather Mike Hodge (Great PopPop); great-uncles William “Billy” Young III and Gerald Pitts (Uncle Jerry); great-aunts Sharon Norris (Aunt Sharon) and Sandy Harpole (Aunt Sandy); and cousin Dustin Bowen.

In her brief life, Gracie achieved the extraordinary feat of making her presence felt in profound ways. She was a mirror reflecting the beauty of togetherness, and her infectious spirit brought joy to her family gatherings, as she gleefully watched her brother and sister play, sing, and dance. Her essence, though small in stature, was a giant in spirit—kicking hard to announce her arrival to this world, filling hearts with love and wonder.

As we gather to celebrate the love that Gracie shared, her family invites friends and loved ones to join in remembrance. A ceremony will be held at Kersey Funeral Home, on Saturday June 14th, 2025 located at 108 Lake Stella Drive, Auburndale, FL 33823. Visitation with family begins at 9am with service starting at 10am. All are welcome to come together, to honor a life that, although brief, was touched with radiant light. In lieu of flowers, expressions of love may be sent to the family home at 1944 Leila Place, Lakeland, FL 33805, where a meal train will be organized to support those who carry her memory.

Grace Harper Billingsley-Wilmoth’s journey may have been short, but the love she ignited will endure, woven into the fabric of her family’s story. Her spirit will live on in the laughter of her siblings, the smiles of her relatives, and the gentle memories shared among us all. In our hearts, she will forever remain a star, shining brightly in the night sky.