Billie Strickland

Billie Jean Strickland
December 23, 1934- April 16, 2023
Billie Jean Nations Strickland's life ended after a brief hospital stay in Fort Worth Texas
on Friday April 16, 2023. The doctors and nurses, aides, and chaplains who cared for
her in these last days were impressed with her kindness toward them despite the pain
she was in.
Billie Jean was born December 23, 1934 in Roscoe Texas to William (Bill) and Elizabeth
Nations.
She grew up in the Great State of Texas! Her family's home was in Abilene, Texas.
A great deal of her life was spent in Austin Texas where she attended Texas School for
the Deaf and an Austin Business College. Growing up within the Deaf community in
Austin Billie met some of her extended family of lifelong friends. She confided to these
friends that she was sad when she would have to go back at the end of Summer break,
but was obedient to her parents.
Billie Jean was adventurous and moved to Washington DC at a young age in pursuit of
career opportunities and further involvement with the Deaf community. Her fearless
friend Sandi was also there with children to come. Billie worked as a Key Punch
operator for a number of insurance agencies, businesses and ended back up at home
until her retirement from the Federal Civilian Service at Dyess Air Force base in Abilene
on August 31, 2009 after 24 years of service.
First and foremost Billie loved the Lord Jesus with all of her heart. She was passionate
about that and had many brothers and sisters that shared that with her. She was a
friend to all if you were her friend (she had little tolerance for stupidity or cruelty)
She had a great sense of humor. She was very intelligent and planned for unforseen
events life would throw her way. When she realized she was starting to forget things,
she hired an attorney to get her affairs in order. Sadly, that progressed and eventually
she was unable to hold down the fort on River Oaks Circle in Abilene. This saddened
her deeply, as it was the only home she had known for 70+ yrs. With the help of 2 of her
lifelong friends Sandra and Mary Jane who were worried about her and reached out
Billie moved into a care facility in Fort Worth with other Deaf residents.
During her final years, she enjoyed having a collection of her mother's painted ceramic
pieces and the awards given to her at her retirement in her room with her. If you were
family, you were always at the front of her mind.
Bille Jean is survived by her brother Dennis Nations of Keller, Nephews and nieces: Bill
Nations, twins Angie Nations and Anita Calph, Jason Nations, and Danielle Nations and
numerous other great nieces and nephews.
Billie's remains will be laid to rest alongside her parents on Saturday July 1, 2023 at
10am at Elmwood Funeral Home.