Mary Lou “Billie Joe” Kennedy, was born August 15, 1932 to William Rayford Phillips and Claudia Ake in San Antonio, Texas. Billie died peacefully in the early morning hours of October 2, 2023 at the age of 91. She was proceeded in death by Houston, her husband of 67 years, and son Joe Barry, as well as her beloved Mother and Daddy (R.H. “Slim” Skurlock); sisters Frances, Yvonne, and Claudia and their husbands Orville, Don, and Barney.
Billie Joe married Houston Stanton Kennedy on February 28, 1948, whom she met while dancing, and continued to follow him throughout Texas before the couple settled in McCamey. For many years, they lived near their aunt and dear friend, Ruth Kennedy and her family before they retired to Olden, Tx in 1992.
She is survived by sons, Jim Kennedy and Chip Kennedy, and daughter-in-law Meg and grandchildren Aaron Kennedy and Molly, Garret Kennedy and Sharla, Sabrena Kennedy Rushing and Chad, and Angela Kennedy Robinson and Bret. Granny Bill is also survived by great-grandchildren Hali, Jadyn, Jillian, Raelyn, Laike, Miles, Seely, Lanae, Bryan, and Astor. Billie’s younger brother Rayford Phillips and his wife Wanda live with their family in Elma, Washington. Billie Joe will be remembered by countless extended loving family members and friends throughout Texas, Oklahoma, Washington, and Oregon, and especially by the loving staff at the Woodlands.
Robin Love (Billie’s niece) perfectly stated, “I’ll always remember her as hardworking and loving, with a wonderful sense of humor and an easy smile…. she leaves me with warm memories and our family with a legacy of love.”
Perhaps the most vivid memories of Billie are at the Ake family reunions: always the picture of a lady, with great hats; laughing with her sisters, baby brother, and countless cousins – especially Helen and John! – while preparing for the Saturday night dance and Sunday barbeque.
When we think of her, we will all remember: her creative writing skills when it came to sharing recipes; chasing grandchildren with a pink fluffy slipper; homemade hot rolls; her fondness for George Strait and Tom Selleck. Her enjoyment of crossword puzzles and Agatha Christie; dropping her life and coming to the rescue in times of crisis- leaving Houston without sweet tea or clean underwear. Joe’s chocolate cake; cleaning up fire extinguisher traces after cooking with the grandchildren; library books and the swimming pool during summers in McCamey; lemon buttermilk cake… Then there were the impromptu life lessons for the nursing home staffs’ children and her unexpected humor over her eight years there as she gathered a new family at the Woodlands…. Billie was a great woman of faith and lived a lifetime of grace.
Graveside services will be held at Marion Cemetery in Lohn, Texas on October 28, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home with a lunch reception to follow in Brady. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Marion Cemetery for its care and upkeep (4220 W. FM 765, Lohn, TX 76852).
