It was a surprise for me to be asked by Miss Billie’s family to deliver her eulogy. I’ve recently come across it in reviewing my notes for our next phase of For Love & Art. Here’s my offering to the memory of this wonderful woman…

Although I didn’t come to know Miss Billie until these last few years (and believe me, I’ve heard some colorful stories), I understand she painted in her youth. Some say she was pretty good. Well, I’ve come to know Billie as a Master Artist.

For Billie, life itself was one big canvas. Using Love of the Lord as her brush and kind words and deeds as paint, she created a life of loving relationships, beauty and style, adventure, romance, dignity, and grace and compassion not just for herself, but for so many others in her life.

Among her most triumphant masterpieces are her strong and loving family…

“We’re only on this Earth but a short time, so let’s try to love one another,” and “Life is what you make it” are but two of her many gifts of wisdom to us kids. Warmed by the glow of her generous spirit, who knows how many hearts she’s gladdened over the course of her lifetime?

The last time I saw Miss Billie she never looked happier, more peaceful, nor even more beautiful. She was an American original, one of God’s great masterpieces, and will be missed hard and remembered well. May she rest in peace.