Paulette Bilbrey

COOKEVILLE CHAPEL - Funeral services for Mrs. Paulette Bilbrey, age 81, will be held Sunday, November 2, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. in the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper, Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Poplar Springs Community Cemetery. Pastor Jimmie Simpson will officiate.

Her family will receive friends Saturday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and again Sunday from 12:00 p.m. until service time at the funeral home.

Paulette, a radiant soul whose warmth touched the lives of everyone she encountered, passed away peacefully on October 30, 2025, at Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown. Born on May 20, 1944, in Sparta, TN, Paulette was a cherished daughter of Clarence Gore and Effie Cantrell Gore, and now joins her beloved sister, Mary Nellon Dillon, in eternal rest.

A proud graduate of Algood High School, Paulette dedicated much of her life to her family and community. For 18 years, she worked for Red Kap in Cookeville, where her strong work ethic and genuine kindness shone through. She also fulfilled her entrepreneurial spirit as the owner and operator of Sun Seekers tanning salon, creating a welcoming space for many in the community.

Paulette was not only a remarkable professional but also a devoted member of her family. She celebrated 60 wonderful years of marriage with her beloved husband, Thurman Lewis, creating a partnership built on love, laughter, and unwavering support. Together, they nurtured a family that thrived on togetherness and cherished moments. She is survived by her loving son, Jeff Bilbrey, and her daughter, Angie (Rodney) Norris, who find solace in the incredible legacy of love she leaves behind. Paulette delighted in her role as a grandmother to Brooke (Brandon) White and Brandon (Holly) Smith, forging bonds that will be forever remembered. In addition, she shared a close relationship with her brother-in-law, Grady (Beulah) Bilbrey, and her sisters-in-law, Pearl Smith and Jean Bryant.

Paulette had a personality that shone brightly—honest, caring, and always on the go, she was a true caretaker with an infectious spirit. Her hobbies included shopping, cooking, and decorating, pursuits that highlighted her creative flair and attention to detail. Above all, she took immense pride in her family and her church family at West View Baptist Church, where she attended for 25 years. Paulette was a dedicated volunteer, selflessly serving in the food pantry and kitchen ministries, always putting others first.

Among her fondest memories were moments spent with her beloved cats, Sophia, who remains by the side of her family, and Sara, who has preceded her in death. Paulette's legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched, the warmth she exuded, and the love she shared unconditionally.

Scott Bilbrey, Barry Bilbrey, Lewis Bryant, Michael Smith, Brandon Smith and Brandon White will serve as pallbearers.