Billie T. Lee
Billie Ann Thorp Lee was born on 16 February 1928 to parents Lester Lee Roy Thorp and Magdalena “Maggie” Brooks Thorp in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. Billie passed away on 15 July 2024 at Baptist Hospital in Beaumont, TX with her three children beside her bed.
Billie grew up in Oklahoma and parts of South Texas following her father who worked in the oil field. She and her mother settled in Houston, Texas when she was 14 years old. Shortly after high school, she became an x-ray technician at Hermann Hospital in Houston. She missed being able to attend Rice University only because of a lack of monetary funding. She spent over 70 years in the medical field including working as an x-ray technician, in a private medical practice, and volunteering for 27 years at Baptist Hospital Emergency Room. With this, she was our go-to person when it came to anything with illness.
At 19, she met the love of her life. They were both in a friend’s wedding, and it was love at first sight. They were married within 6 months, and this marriage lasted 75+ years until the passing of her husband, JK Lee. They shared a love like no other, and if ever around them, you witnessed their love.
Billie loved spending time with her family, Christmas gatherings were something special to her and just being with family made her smile. She enjoyed the wonderful chaos of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. History was a passion of hers, and sometimes they would stop to read the historical markers along the road. She loved vacations to Garner State Park, dancing at the pavilion every night with her husband, JK Lee, followed by malted milk at a local hamburger stand in Leakley, TX, and swimming in the Rio Frio but never would put her head in the water.
Billie T. Lee was kind, sincere, intelligent, nurturing, strong, elegant, present, supportive, and a real steel magnolia. She was our matriarch, so precious, and will be greatly missed. Our comfort is knowing she is reunited with her loving husband, JK Lee. She is in her high heels and him in his wing tips dancing to “Moonlight Serenade” by Glenn Miller like a hand in a glove, never missing a step.
Billie Ann Thorp Lee is preceded in death by her loving and devoted husband of 75+ years, Jack K. Lee, her sister-in-law and brother, Betty Jo and Lester Thorp, and her parents Maggie Brooks Thorp and Lester Lee Roy Thorp.
Left to cherish her memories are her children: daughter, Michele Stafford (Bob), son, Michael Lee (Jill), and son, Skipper Lee (Annette). Grandchildren: Robby Stafford (Tara), Rani Bivens (Paul), Chase Lee (Lauren), Cullen Lee, Tyler Lee (Leigh Ann), Angela Connor (Josh), and Valerie Holland (Ross). Great-Grandchildren: Austin and Georgia Stafford; Baley, Sonny, and Sami Bivens; Hudson and Preslyn Lee; Sydney, Paige, and Keaton Lee; Jules and Josey Connor; and Augustus “Gus” Holland.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations to Baptist Hospital Auxiliary in Care of Baptist Hospital Beaumont, 3080 College Street, Beaumont, Texas 77701.
Cremation arrangements for Mrs. Lee were handled through Broussard’s Crematorium under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. Serving as Honorary Pallbearers: Robby Stafford, Chase Lee, Cullen Lee, Tyler Lee, Paul Bivens, Josh Connor, and Ross Holland.

It was a joy to know your beautiful mom. So sorry for your loss. May yor memories bring you joy. I have missed seeing your parents sitting in their pew at church. I can still see them making popcorn balls for Halloween in the fellowship hall. Such fun! Our church was blessed by them! Your family was truly blessed with such awesome parents! They are holding hands in heaven. God bless you all!
Y’all had fine parents. I enjoyed visiting with them. She was a great lady. I am sure they are dancing in heaven.
My Nome years bring back wonderful memories as I’ve now spent years in Houston near my girls. Love to all of you with Skipper in the classroom of some of my first years teaching. Special love and prayers for all of you,
Kay
Billie was a beautiful lady inside and out. She was the best mom in love ever! She was one of the most talented people I’ve ever met. Always there for her children and family. I was so blessed to have her in my life for 46 years. I know she’s dancing those streets of glory with Pawpaw. We love you and will see you soon ❤️