Maurice was born in the Bronx, New York City to Lucille Fennell Billups and Harold Billups on January 30, 1953. He was the third born of their four sons. The family moved to Queens where he attended Middle School and High School. He graduated with honors from Touro College, NY, with a BA in Business Management in 1980.
Maurice worked for United Press International as a clerk in the Financial Department from 1972-1974. In September 1974 he began working for Associated Press at 50 Rockefeller Plaza as a Tabulator and Supervisor in the Commodity Dept. and worked as an Aggregate in the Business News Department. He retired from AP on his birthday in 2018 after 44 years of service.
Growing up, Maurice was quite an athlete. He was an excellent basketball player and a proficient martial artist, practicing Weng Chung (Kung Fu). His social and community service included membership to Emanuel Lodge No.1 in Brooklyn. He was a 33rd degree Mason and held many positions: Worshipful Master, Past Master and Secretary of the Supreme Council. Maurice was also an active member of Unity Church of Christ in Maywood, NJ, and had served as Board Secretary. He enjoyed meeting new visitors, making coffee for after service, and donated the TV monitors for Harmony Hall. For fun, Maurice could be found making his annual September pilgrimage to the Capitol Jazz Festival in Maryland. He and his wife, Vanessa, enjoyed going to concerts, Latin dancing, and cruising to several destinations each year. He was an avid movie buff, a collector of signed sports memorabilia and enjoyed watching sports and movies in his mancave. Maurice was very proud of his watch collection and most proud of his cars which he kept shining like new and nicknamed after himself. He also loved fishing on the boats off the Jersey shore. Maurice also studied guitar and was a 1st level Reiki Practitioner. He will be remembered for his smile, jokes, and ready-to-help disposition, particularly to those contemplating retirement.
Maurice transitioned on December 8, 2021. He was preceded in death by his parents, and older brothers Ronald and Myron. He is survived by his loving wife, Vanessa Billups, his cherished daughter Barbara Prophet, adored granddaughter Jordyn Prophet, son-in-law Joseph Prophet, brother Harvey Billups and host of nieces and nephews, church family, friends, and neighbors.
In lieu of flowers, Please make a donation in Maurice's name to Unity Church of Christ 471 Maywood Ave. Maywood, NJ 07607 (www.unitymaywood.org)
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