BILLIE LAVERNE MCHENRY CHURCHILL
NOVEMBER 28, 1920 - MARCH 4, 2010Aged 89, the soul of Billie Laverne McHenry Churchill, has gone to Heaven to join her husband, "Coach" Charles W. Churchill. Meeting her there were parents, Harve and Myrtle McHenry; infant twin sons; daughter, Mary Ann Kent; brothers Carmen and Wayne McHenry and many other relatives and friends. She did not want to leave this life, but age demanded that she turn this body in and move to a heavenly one. She departed quietly, peacefully, and with family at her side.
Born and raised in Greenville, TX, she graduated high school at the age of 16 and attended East Texas State Teacher's College where she met her husband. Graduating with a BS in Biology, she began a marriage that lasted 50 years with her beloved "Coach". She lived in White Deer, Commerce, Childress, McAllen, Galveston, and Houston, as she followed her husband's coaching career. She also lived in Denver, CO and Biloxi, Miss. while he served in WWII. She spent twenty-four years teaching Texas History and Physical Science in the Childress, Galveston and Houston Spring Branch school districts. She was a great teacher and made lifelong friends of many fellow teachers and students.
Billie loved nature and the outdoors, her flower gardens, and collecting rocks. She made friends with anoles and birds, and her enthusiasm instilled an appreciation for nature in those who knew her. She loved the years spent at the little house on the Crash Boat Basin in Galveston, swimming, fishing, and playing with family and friends. Many will remember the outstanding gumbo that she would prepare and share. She became a knowledgeable antiques collector and a respected Houston area antiques dealer. She loved Texas History, and loved finding the history of the antiques she collected. She was a member of DAR and an avid family genealogy researcher. She loved to travel, especially with her family, and was blessed to see much of the USA. She particularly loved her time spent with family, hunting rocks, arrowheads, and wildflowers, at Buck Haven Ranch. She was a long time member of Chapelwood Methodist Church in Houston, and greatly valued that association.
Billie loved her family fiercely and was very proud of all of them. She expected the best from them and took great joy in their accomplishments. Husband Charles Churchill, who died in 1990, was the greatest love of her life, and she missed him every moment of the last 20 years. She leaves behind a daughter, Camie Johnson, and husband Bill, of Lake Jackson; four grandchildren: Charles Andrews, Jackie Byers, Maria Newell, and Hadley Alavi, and eight great grandchildren: Stacie and Lauren Andrews; Christian and Charlotte Newell; Luke, Carly, and Lyndi Byers.
Many faithful friends were left behind. Jean Richardson, Allison McHenry, Bobbie Terrell, and Jerri Jackson were a major part of her happiness the last 40 years. Amy Flores, caregiver for the last six years, was instrumental in making her life brighter and healthier. The kind and caring staff of Carriage Inn and Hearthstone helped to make her last six years fun, safe and happy. During the last few weeks, Ann Nesbitt and the members of IPH hospice, were essential to her health and happiness. The family will not forget their kindness. She was always grateful for all of these people and loved them a lot.
Billie had a wonderful 89 years, and met her life challenges with love and strength. She conquered many heartaches with a smile and perseverance, and forgiveness. She relentlessly sought happiness for her family. She received and gave much love, and she enriched the lives of all who knew her. It was her hope that all who remain here will continue to love and support each other, and enjoy the wonders and blessings that God has lent them. She would remind all she knew to practice the Golden Rule, and to be kind and forgiving to each other. She would tell the reader of this obituary to stay active, live life to its fullest, give lots of hugs, eat your veggies, and take care of yourself and your family and
"live and let live".
A Memorial service will be held to remember her life, on Sunday, March 7, in the chapel at the First United Methodist Church in Lake Jackson. It will begin at 2 PM and the family wishes to request casual attire, and a joyful spirit. Billie chose cremation for her earthly body, and her ashes will be scattered with her husband's ashes, at Buck Haven Ranch.
Memorial online condolences may be sent to www.stroudfuneralhome.com.
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