Billizean Fisher Haynes Leslie, known by her friends as “Beezy”, began her eternal life on January 30, 2017, surrounded by her family. Diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2016, she fought a heroic battle. We are forever grateful for our extended time with her and that she was able to celebrate her 80th birthday.
Beezy was born January 5, 1937 in Waycross, Georgia to William Harrison Fisher and Lucille Holt Fisher. She grew up in the small town of Hazlehurst in South Georgia. She married her high school sweetheart, Huey Haynes, in 1954. They moved to Fulton, Mississippi in 1961, where they made their home and reared four children. Beezy never quite got over South Georgia, and didn’t miss an opportunity to remind her family and friends that she was from God’s country. Beezy and Huey were married 45 years until his death in 1999. She married Jack Leslie in 2001, and enjoyed a beautiful second love until his death in August of 2016.
Beezy was far from ordinary. You could call her many things, but ordinary would not be one of them. She was an artist and gifted actress, and supporter of the arts. She instilled this passion in her children and grandchildren. Over the years she played many roles in community theatre, with her favorites being TCT’s “The Ponder Heart” and most recently the leading role in “The Trip To Bountiful”, which she called her swan song at the age of 78.
She was an animal lover–from dogs to cats to ducks to chickens–she raised animals on Haynes Hill, in the heart of downtown Fulton, as if she were living on a 60 acre farm. She once had a chicken, Henny Penny, and she would paint her fingernails red to match her lovely red comb. It was common throughout the years for her to receive a phone call from Fulton City Hall to retrieve her duck, rabbit, chicken, or dog seen wandering around the Court Square. She is survived by her loyal Jack Russell, Sonny.
Beezy loved the outdoors and warm weather. She spent entire days in her yard tending to flower gardens. She was a skilled bream and crappie fisherman, a hobby she shared with Huey. She also loved target practice and was known for outshooting Huey on many occasions. When not outdoors, she was an avid reader and enjoyed many afternoons at the Itawamba County Library.
Beezy was a defender of everyone’s civil rights–race, religion, or sexual orientation mattered not. She accepted and loved all people and everyone was welcome in her home and around her table. She was especially drawn to creative spirits–artists, musicians, actors, foreigners–those who could participate in lively conversation over a game of Scrabble, a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. She was a deeply spiritual person, a life-long Methodist, and a member of Fulton United Methodist Church.
Although a Yellow Dog Democrat, she did not force her views on others. She said that she actually did vote Republican once–for Richard Nixon. This she later said, was “one of the biggest regrets of my life.” A few weeks before her death she was asked if she had any advice or enlightenment. She simply said “The country is going to hell in a hand-basket.”
She is survived by her four children, Debbie Haynes Clark (Wayne), Wayne Haynes, Lucia Haynes Randle, and Belinda Haynes McKinion (Scott); her beloved grandchildren, Chip Haynes, Lucia Haynes Jones (E.J.) and their mother, Denise Haynes Donahue; Cole, Haynes, and Allie Randle and their father, Kent Randle; Anna Scott McKinion; four great-grandchildren; a sister, Frances Fisher Whitehead (Ray); a brother, Holt Fisher (Candace); Jack’s children, Jack Leslie (Susan), Kenneth Leslie (Patti), and Jeffrey Leslie (Diava). She also leaves a special nephew, John Parks; and wonderful caregivers Amanda Long and Marina Williams.
A private family memorial will be held to celebrate Beezy’s extraordinary life. McNeece-Morris Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Tupelo Community Theatre, PO Box 1094, Tupelo, MS 38802 or Fulton United Methodist Church Food Pantry, 301 East Main Street, Fulton, MS 38843.
We extend our love, sincere gratitude and appreciation for the many prayers and acts of kindness shown to Beezy during her illness and upon her death. Her life was certainly a life well lived, and we shall miss our Mother deeply.
Debbie, Wayne, Lucia and Belinda
