Billie Jean Bennett, 93, a long-time resident of Madill, passed away on March 3rd, 2021. Born October 15th, 1927 to the late W.B. Bigger and Agnes Cummings Bigger, Billie grew up in the Willis and Fobb communities, and attended school at Fobb and Kingston.
With dreams of becoming a teacher, she attended Murray State College and Southeastern State College where she earned her baccalaureate in elementary education. Her first teaching position was for the Ocean View District in Huntington Beach, Calif.
Upon returning to Oklahoma, Billie began teaching in Healdton and retired after 28 years at Healdton Elementary. In retirement, she returned to Madill. Billie was a life member of the Oklahoma Education Association, a proud member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and was a member at the Madill Church of Christ. Billie married the love of her life, J.W., in the fall of 1946 and they were blessed with nearly 72 years together.
She is survived by her son James William Bennett, Jr. and wife Donna of Oklahoma City, Okla., grandchildren; Jennifer Debin Clasby and husband Aaron of Oklahoma City, Okla., Scott Aaron Bennett of Oklahoma City, Okla., nephews; Walter Bruce Bigger and wife Lou of Madill, Okla., Tony Bigger and wife Char, nieces; Carol Sue Smither, and Sharleen Bridgeman and husband Bobby.
Billie was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two brothers and four sisters.
Visitation was held Friday, March 5, 2021 at Watts Funeral Home in Madill, Okla. from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a family hour from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Services were 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 6, 2021 at the Watts Memorial Chapel in Madill, Okla. Todd McRay officiated the service. Interment was at the Woodberry-Forest Cemetery in Madill, Okla. Service were under the direction of Watts Funeral Home in Madill, Okla. Condolences may be sent to wattsfuneralhome.com.
Casket Bearers were Jerry Eldridge, Terry Eldridge, Francis Nelson, Bud Hale, Lonny Goff and Chris Rathbun.