Left: Rhianna Billings (March 27, 2000-Nov. 14, 2019). Delta State University extends its thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of DSU student Rhianna Billings who passed away after a brief illness on Nov. 14, 2019, at Greenwood Leflore Hospital.
A celebration of her life—and of the life of another DSU student, Darrell “Drew” Rexrode, who was killed after a single-vehicle accident on Nov. 8, 2019, in Sunflower County—will take place at 6 PM on Tuesday, Nov. 19 in the Lena Roberts Sillers Chapel on the Delta State campus.
Billings, 19, a first-year student at Delta State, was studying to be an elementary schoolteacher. She graduated from East Tallahatchie High School. Billings liked creative writing, jewelry, and cosplay. She went out of her way to give people compliments and hugs.
“Student Affairs mourns Rhianna’s passing with her family and the students who knew and loved her,” said Vernell Bennett, Delta State vice president for student affairs. “Although her matriculation was brief, we’re grateful she was a Statesman. Rhianna was so excited when she first arrived in August and would readily share her aspirations of one day being able to impact students’ lives.”
Billings was preceded in death by her mother, Vivian Brower Foster. Survivors include her father, Jason Billings of Kosciusko; two aunts, Lea Hammons (Joel) of Ruleville and Judy Nail (Glenn) of Greenwood; and an uncle, Randall Brower (Amy) of Tanana, AK.
An additional celebration of her life occurred on Nov. 18 at Adams Arbor Church of God of Prophecy in Charleston, Miss.
