Billie Whitaker

On November 13, 1929, in Shreveport, Louisiana, a beautiful baby girl was born to Elize and Addie Lee Handy. Her name was "Billie Jo." At an early age Billie Jo and her family moved to Nacogdoches, Texas. There, they united with the Sunset Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Leek. Billie Jo accepted Christ and was baptized. She was educated in the Nacogdoches public schools and graduated from E. J. Campbell High School.

The Lord blessed Billie Jo to meet and marry a wonderful man of God, Robert Lee Whitaker, and to this union two sons were born, Herbert Lee and George. Robert and Billie Jo eventually relocated to Austin, Texas. They united with True Light Baptist Church where Billie Jo faithfully served as a Deaconess, Usher and member of the Missionary Society until her health failed. Billie Jo was employed by the Austin State Hospital for 17 years before retiring in 1993.
On May 13, 2015, the Lord called Billie Jo from labor to reward. She was preceded in death by her parents, Elize Handy and Addie Lee Kennedy; her older sister, Ola Mae Hunt, and her sons, Herbert and George Whitaker.

She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband of 65 years, Robert Lee Whitaker; six grandchildren, Felecia Michelle Roberts, Jessica Whitaker, Matarya Whitaker, Robert T. Whitaker, Winston L. Wade and E. Brethmond Whitaker; 15 great-grandchildren; an Aunt, Clara Handy; a niece, Mary Ella Hunt; a nephew, Jerry Hunt; a loving daughter-in-law, Joyce Whitaker; a special cousin, Mattie Justice, and a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 11:00am at All Faiths Funeral Chapel, 8507 N. IH-35, Austin Texas. Internment Committal Services will follow in Assumption Cemetery, 3650 S. IH-35, Austin Texas.