Billie June Durham, 89, of Springfield, Missouri, passed peacefully on Thursday, Dec. 31, 2015. Billie was born on Feb. 24, 1926, in Denison, Texas, to Harry and Lula Mae Carpenter. Billie and James A. Durham were married on March 19, 1944. They lived short times in San Francisco and Milwaukee before returning to Denison. They left Texas for Springfield to follow Jim's career with Frisco Railroad. Billie and Jim worked together in construction and real estate for fifty years. They were blessed with two daughters and four grandchildren whom they loved immensely. They lived life to the fullest, always showing their faith in God through their actions.
Billie is survived by her daughter, Deborah D. Davila, her grandsons, Isaac Davila, Matthew and Kyle Davis, all of Springfield; her granddaughter, Keri K. Hess (Peter), and great-grandson, Will, of Huntington, Vermont. Also surviving are nephew Robert Leach and his family and many in-laws whom she loved very much.
Billie was a sweet and generous woman, blessed by a wealth of dear friends (many of whom are sadly no longer with us). Billie''s kindness was genuine and she will be lovingly remembered by those whose lives she touched.
In addition to her parents and husband, Billie was preceded in death by her daughter, Diane D. Davis; and three sisters, Mamie, Louise, and Leta Mae Carpenter, and several in-laws.
Billie was laid to rest next to her husband in New Galloway Garden at Rivermonte.
The family wishes to thank those who helped care for her during the last few months. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Council of Churches of the Ozarks for local children's needs.