Rachel E. (Billings) Absher, 85

Rachel E. (Billings) Absher of Bridgeville died Friday, Jan. 26, 2007, in her home. She was 85.

Mrs. Absher was born Sept. 25, 1921, in Bridgeville, daughter of the late Catherine Kate and Romulus Billings.

She retired in 1983 after 32 years with Gants Shirt Factory of Salisbury, Md., where she folded shirts and was the first to be taught how to turn second quality shirts into first quality. Most recently she worked at the T.S. Smiths & Sons Orchards making doughnuts.

She was a very crafty lady and was known for the numerous quilts she made over the years. She was also an avid gardener. She was definitely one of a kind. She was always doing for her family and friends and found time to work outside her home as well.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Claude E. Absher; and a son, Travis R. Absher.

She is survived by two daughters, Margie F. Callaway and Joan Wynes, both of Bridgeville; a son, David Absher of Bridgeville; two brothers, Tyra Billings and James Billings, both of Trap Hill, N.C.; four sisters, Pearl Morrell of Hays, N.C., Alma Healy of Pompton Plains, N.J., Hazel Freeman of Winston Salem, N.C. and Ruth Billings of Trap Hill; 14 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Thursday in Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Hardesty Chapel, 202 Laws St., Bridgeville, where friends may call one hour earlier.

Burial will follow in St. Johnstown Cemetery, Greenwood.