Billy Jean Westmoreland

WEATHERFORD -- Billy Jean Westmoreland, 94 years old, died on Friday, June 26, 2015, at Weatherford Regional Hospital in Weatherford, Texas after a brief illness. Following the death of her beloved husband, Walter Neil Westmoreland in 1996, she lived in her own home in Weatherford for 19 years. Her son and daughter-in-law, Donis and Add Westmoreland lived with her throughout those years and helped her remain healthy and independent. Billy Jean's strong will to live, unwavering faith in God, and the love and prayers of family and friends supported her desire to remain in her home. Billy Jean was born on August 9, 1920 in Tulia, Texas to William and Ola Venable. The Venable family lived for many years in Bovina, Texas, and Billy Jean graduated from Bovina High School. As a child, she possessed a contagious sense of humor; and her sweet and honest demeanor won her many close friends, with whom she kept in touch by frequent letter writing. Billy Jean and Walter Neil Westmoreland were married on September 9, 1939 and they celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary in 1989. Married for 57 years, they raised their three children, Billy Neil, Donis Lonzo, and Wilna Jean in Kermit, Texas. Billy Jean faithfully cared for her family and friends by maintaining their home while her husband worked long hours in the oil fields of the Permian Basin. Billy Jean, Walter, and their children were members of the Eastside Church of Christ during all their years in Kermit. Billy Jean taught Sunday School, collected food and clothing for the needy, and was a member of several quilting bees and ladies' Bible studies. She also volunteered to give haircuts and manicures at the local nursing home. At a time when people struggling with depression or alcoholism were shunned by the community, Billy Jean insisted on reaching out to anyone in need and often picked them up in her car for church services. She served as a Pink Lady for 25 years, was head of the Candy Stripers, and assisted with local elections. Because her husband, Walter, was a Boy Scout Master in the Buffalo Trail Council for 35 years, Billy Jean often assisted his work; and she also served as Den Mother when her sons were in Boy Scouts. As Billy Jean would attest, “someone needed to scour those cast iron skillets” that were used at so many Boy Scout cookouts! She would also tell you that camping out under the stars was a lot of fun. Billy Jean read her Bible every day for as long as her eyesight allowed her to read the words; in later years, the scriptures that she could quote from memory were a comfort to her heart. Although she believed that education was important, she knew that God's love and compassion represented the higher values in life. She wrote hundreds of letters to family and friends, and she prayed daily for them: for their health, strength, and spiritual wellbeing. Billy Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Neil; her son, Billy Neil, and her grandson, Scott Neil. Her surviving family members are numerous, but mainly include: her daughter-in-law, Dianne Westmoreland; her son, Donis Lonzo Westmoreland and daughter-in-law, Add Westmoreland; her daughter, Wilna Jean Gillespie and son-in-law, Robert Brian Gillespie; her six grandchildren; her nine great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. On Thursday, July 2, there will be a visitation at White's Funeral Home in Weatherford from 10:30-12:00, followed by the funeral service in the White's Funeral Home Chapel at 12:00. Interment to follow in East Greenwood Cemetery. Billy Jean lived by The Golden Rule: Treat others the way you would like to be treated. In memory of Billy Jean, make someone laugh, send a card or letter, give a hug, or say “I love you”.