March 1, 1947 - December 20, 2017 COLUMBIA – Born in New Orleans, to Victory Neal and Joseph Billiot, Grace was a true original and unique spirit in this world. She was affectionately known as "Tugy" by family and friends. A name given to her by her father when she was a child. Tugy was a great beauty, and could really light up a room. She loved her home city of New Orleans like no other place, embraced her Native-American heritage and was raised in the Catholic faith, attending Parochial Schools. The Billiot’s were descendants of the Houma Tribe and lived in Lafitte, Louisiana. She was proud of the Houmas and shared that heritage with her children, nieces and nephews. She baptized her own children in the Catholic Church and shared her Christian Faith with them. Grace is survived by her sister, Mary Adams; her children, John B. Coleman and Leslie Coleman Walker; seven grandchildren; two nephews; two nieces; and 11 grand-nieces and nephews. "Tugy" adored her children and grandchildren. One of her favorite past times was to share the gift of laughter with family and friends. She also enjoyed music, photography, drawing, painting, gardening and spending time on Facebook. After taking art classes at the University of New Orleans, Grace became passionate about drawing and painting. She was a talented artist. In 2005, after Hurricane Katrina, Grace relocated to Columbia, South Carolina with her late mother, Vickie. She was grateful to St. Joseph Catholic Church, who welcomed and supported her in her new life in Columbia. Those who knew her might say, Grace was charmingly childlike, she rebelled against adulthood and, she was perfectly human. She left a lasting impact on all who knew her, and will be forever remembered by those who loved her. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 96860, Washington, DC 20077, a charity dear to her heart. Grace's family extends profound gratitude to the doctors and nurses of Providence Hospital who cared for her in her final days, as well as great appreciation to the management and staff of the Finley House where she lived. A memorial service will be at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, in the Adult Reception Hall on Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. An inurnment will be held in the Memorial Garden at St. Joseph Catholic Church at a later date. Please sign the online guestbook at www.dunbarfunerals.com.
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