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Angel wings were given to Billi Jo Plowman-Edwards, 51, Altoona, on Wednesday, after a five-year battle with cancer. Cancer may have won the battle, but Billi won the war and entered into Heaven carrying all the love of her family and many, many friends.
Billi was the daughter of Sandra Helsel and Bill Edwards. She entered this world, a light in everyone's life and continued to be one until her passing. She was an artist who loved to share her love of art with all around her. She did not specialize in one art form or another; she explored all forms of art and firmly believed that each of us had an artist inside of us.
Billi was a cashier for Bi-Lo, Martin's and Weis Market. Her infectious smile and positivity made an impact on every single customer she waited on. This was attested to by the many customers who would stop her in the stores after she had stopped working and told her how much they missed her. She made a difference in people's day by being the warm-hearted human being she was naturally.
Billi's greatest joy was being a Geegi to her grandchildren: Avi, Justin, Aidan, Valen, Echo and Jordan. She loved every moment she spent with them. The sheer joy on her face when she would play with them, she turned into a kid right along with them.
Billi was preceded in death by her natural mother, Sandra Helsel; sister, Mindy Russell; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Nancy and Ronald Wininger; and sister, Rhonda Edwards.
Billi leaves behind a devastated group of family, friends and loved ones who while we are happy that she is no longer in pain, will struggle to go on with the giant Billi size hole in their hearts. She is survived by spouse, Ronda Wininger; sons, Nikolas Plowman and James Plowman; her mom and dad, Barb and Bill Edwards; siblings: Jamie Messner, Rusty Black, Randy Black, Cheryl Edwards, Regina Edwards Lee, Bill Edwards, Jason Edwards, Mike Edwards and Sherry Edwards, and all of their respective spouses and children. She is also survived by very special nieces: Athena Messner, Karen Black, who was also her sunshine and rainbow, and Kristyn Frye, her cupcake and power puff sister for life; her goddaughter, Bailey Bennett; and godson, Fynnley Frye; Helen Elden, who defines compassion and care; good friend and fellow cancer warrior, Vicki Dempsie; and Tug Plowman, the best ex-husband Billi could ask for.
The family would like to take a moment to thank all the staff of UPMC Home Hospice, the nurses of T-14 and the palliative team at AFP. Their care and compassion and passion for providing the best care for Billi did not go unnoticed or unappreciated by the family.
Friends and family are invited to gather from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, at Myers-Somers Funeral Home Inc., 501 Sixth Ave., Altoona, to share memories of Billi Jo.
A memorial service will begin at 8 p.m. following the time of sharing. For Billi's memorial service we ask that everyone please bring a fork, the reason why will be made clear at the service being conducted by Pastor Rick Cox.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Bob Pesky Cancer Fund, P.O. Box 313, State College, PA 16804 in memory of Billi.
myerssomersfuneralhome.com