Billie Jo Henry

Billie Jo Henry was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma on February 13, 1929, to parents, Rev. & Mrs. Stewart B. Douglass. After attending University of Tulsa and then working briefly in Shreveport, Louisiana, she relocated to Port Arthur, Texas to pursue a job in fashion merchandizing. Shortly thereafter, Billie met the love of her life, Sam Dennard Henry, who she was married to for thirty-seven years prior to his death in 1992. After the birth of their two daughters, she then pursued her passion for education by obtaining both a bachelor’s and then masters’ degree from Lamar University. During that time, Billie was a much-loved teacher at Thomas Jefferson High School for nineteen years, while also teaching graduate level courses at Lamar University. Each year, she co-led groups of students and adults on tours abroad, helping satisfy her love of travel, education, and adventure.

Billie loved the Lord Jesus and without question lived a life that was a testament to his love, compassion, and determination to help others. Her extended family was her much loved friends at First Baptist Church Port Arthur, where she served as choir President, Chairman of the Trustees and Team Captain for the church’s Relay-for-Life team.

Billie cherished Port Arthur and always called it home. Her life there for sixty-four years was such a blessing – to be crowned Mrs. South Jefferson County in the early years; followed by her calling to serve others as President of every level of the PTA; Treasurer of the Port Arthur Service League; President of the Port Arthur Country Club Ladies Auxiliary; and President of the South Jefferson Unit of the American Cancer Society, where she was a member for over fifty years.

After moving to Dallas in 2016 to be with family, Billie made a home at Signature Pointe Independent Living where she made many dear friends. She did not however “retire” while living in Dallas – she served as Ambassador to those living near her; ran the retirement community’s Country Store; and joined the Notables Senior Adult Choir at Park Cities Baptist Church.

On May 5, 2023, Billie passed peacefully to heaven with family by her side. She is proceeded in death by her husband, Sam Henry; parents, Stewart and Irene Douglass; sister, Barbara Moehlmann; brother, Stanley Douglass; and many lifelong friends.

She is survived by her daughter, Vicki Henry of Orlando, Florida; daughter, Denise Henry Rachal and her husband, Tom Rachal of Dallas, Texas; her cherished grandchildren, Elyssa Henry of Orlando, Sam Rachal of Dallas; niece, Carroll Martin and husband, Mike of Tyler; niece, Donna Payne and husband, Jimmy of Shreveport; niece, Kristle Comley and husband, Geoffrey of College Station; and many other loved ones.

Billie’s life will be celebrated in her beloved church with a gathering of family and friends at 11:00 a.m., with her funeral service to follow immediately after at 12:00 p.m., on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at First Baptist Church Port Arthur, 3948 FM 365, Port Arthur, Texas. Her interment will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park Cemetery, 3900 Twin City Hwy, Groves, Texas.

Your love for Billie is the greatest gift you could give to celebrate her life. If you wish to honor her memory in another way, please consider a donation in her name to First Baptist Church of Port Arthur 3948 FM 365, Port Arthur, Texas 77642, or to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life of The Greater Golden Triangle, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, Maryland 21741.