Vila Lee Bilbrey

DYER CHAPEL-Vila Lee Jones Bilbrey, 91 of Cookeville, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at Signature of Putnam in Cookeville, Tennessee. Born on October 15, 1934, in Putnam County, Tennessee, Vila lived a life marked by her devotion to family, faith, and the care of others.

A lifelong participant in her faith community, Vila faithfully attended Sycamore Church of Christ and Holladay Church of Christ, where she found both solace and fellowship. She was known for her nurturing spirit and dedication to those around her, always taking great joy in taking care of others.

Vila was preceded in death by her loving parents, John Harvey Jones and Ethel Rebecca Tollison Jones; her husband, Ivan Lee Bilbrey, who passed away on October 23, 2023; her daughter, Christie Bilbrey; her son, Donald Bilbrey, granddaughter, Suzanne Smith, and grandson, Kyle Bilbrey. Though she endured the sorrow of these losses, Vila’s enduring love and strength remained a guiding light to those who knew her.

She is survived by her son, Wayne Bilbrey of Cookeville; her daughter, Rosalie Bullard of Phoenix, Arizona; and her treasured grandchildren, Nichole (Devin) Brown, Dustin Bilbrey, Katie Bullard, and Jeremiah Bullard, and great grandchildren, Preston and Paisley Brown. Vila also held a special place in her heart for her close friend, Tootsie Dunn.

A graveside service to honor Vila’s life will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Boiling Springs Cemetery, located at 6298 Burgess Falls Road in Baxter, Tennessee. Visitation will follow at the cemetery following the service. Bro. Kevin Daughrity will officiate. Family, friends, and all whose lives were touched by Vila’s warmth are invited to gather in remembrance and celebration of a remarkable woman who exemplified kindness and devotion.

Vila Lee Bilbrey’s legacy endures in the hearts of those she loved and cared for so deeply. Her gentle spirit and unwavering dedication to others will long be remembered with reverence and affection.

Dyer Chapel of Hooper-Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements (931)526-7158. You may share condolences and memories at www.dyerfh.com