Billie Jean Sterns Downey, 86, of Bridge City, went home to be with her Lord on August 17, 2021, in her home, surrounded by her beloved children.
Born in Sikes, Louisiana, on October 30, 1934, she was the daughter of Quincy and Lessie (Mayes) Sterns. Billie was a long-time resident of Bridge City. Her career included work in the legal field, title/abstract offices in Orange, Great Lakes Carbon in Port Arthur and finally retiring from Bayer Corporation in Orange. Billie was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, and mother. Her talents were many, including sewing from her own patterns, gardening, frying the best fried chicken, playing the accordion and piano, singing, as well as photography. She was an accomplished and skilled genealogist.
Billie came to know Jesus at a very early age. She loved and served Him faithfully during all her days. As a young woman, she traveled with an evangelist across Texas and Oklahoma. Billie played the accordion and sang during services and revivals; sharing her faith and the goodness of God was the very foundation of her life.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Downey, Jr.; parents, Quincy and Lessie Sterns; and brother, Jimmy Ray (Bud) Sterns.
Billie Jean is survived by her children Tina Nezat and husband J. D., Nina Birdwell and husband James, Nanette Graham and husband Greg, and Keith Downey; grandchildren, Britni Nezat Givens, Sarah Nezat Bardsley, Wesley Nezat, C. J. Birdwell Poth, Katie Birdwell, and Chloe Downey; great-grandchildren, Avery Bardsley, Charlie Bardsley, Tenley Givens, Preston Shaw, Martin Nezat, Quinn Poth, and Emory Poth; sisters, Betty Jo Voight and husband Pat, Judy Escagne and husband Allen, Jan Leonard; brother-in-law, Thomas W. Downey; sister-in-law, Marie Kea; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Private family services will be held at Claybar. For those friends and loved ones not attending the funeral services, Billie would be honored by an act of service or kindness done in her memory.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to her home church, Restoration Church, 3212 Concord. Suite E., Orange, TX 77630.
Condolences
Bill Starnes
August 28, 2021
I met Billie Jean many years ago at a STA Reunion. I immediately liked her and her husband, Tommy. From that time on she and I were close friends and as always she was helpful in my questions concerning genealogy.
Dorothy Babb
August 24, 2021
My cousin Billie Jean was someone I always admired . She set a living example of a person who walks with God , and passed this heritage to her children and grandchildren. She was always joyful , caring and loving . I love her smile . To my cousins , and Billie Jean’s children , please accept my deep Love and sympathy . Nothing can separate of from the Love of God, in Christ Jesus . Dorothy Jean Cash Babb ( loving cousin ).
Damian
August 24, 2021
God Bless You Sending My Love - Damian Leon, in London (Dorothy's Son)
Glenda Dellacroce
August 22, 2021
Our family sends kindest thoughts and deepest sympathy to you. Billie was my older cousin. She was always very kind, loving and a delight to visit. I called her a couple of months ago to ask for her fabulous slaw recipe, which she graciously shared with me for the second time! While we talked, she related that she had just read Pat Robertson's book, "I Have Walked With the Living God", and said she could barely put it down, it was such a great book. I will be reading it soon, at her recommendation, and when I do, I will take comfort in knowing that she is now truly walking with Him, as He has welcomed her into her forever heavenly home. Glenda Cash DellaCroce and husband Frank
Claybar Funeral Home
August 22, 2021
115 files added to the album LifeTributes
Anonymous
August 21, 2021
Peaceful White Lilies Basket was purchased for the family of Billie Jean Sterns Downey.
Sherri Hardesty
August 20, 2021
Sherri Hardesty lit a candle in memory of Billie Jean Sterns Downey
Ronnie Vize
August 19, 2021
My condolences to all of Billie’s family. I worked with Billie, Nina, and Keith at Bayer Corp. She was always smiling, no matter what the situation. It was such a sweet smile, an angelic smile to me. And always had something good to say, no matter what the subject. There is sadness now for all who knew her but I believe there is joy and happiness in Heaven. She is with the Lord. Ronnie Vize
Shirley Kea Stagg
August 19, 2021
My beautiful Aunt Billie will always be remembered by her warm and loving smile. She cared for everyone and put others before herself. I will never forget the love she gave us as children and as adults. Heaven gained a beautiful soul and I know all of Heaven rejoices. Our hearts are hurting that we had to give her up but our spirits celebrate the day when we will all be together again as a family. Sweet, sweet cousins I continue to pray for all of you. Father wrap Your arms around them and pour Your Holy Spirit out on them. Love never leaves, it stays forever in our hearts beyond the edge of time. In Jesus name Amen! Love, Dale and Shirley Kea Stagg Marie Kea Karol Kea Sanford
Nelwyn Robinson
August 19, 2021
My heart is so sad, but I rejoice knowing you are in Heaven on a grand road trip. You were always so loving and kind to me, Jillian and Keith and we will miss visiting with you. Love and Prayers to your family! The Robinsons
Emma Nelms
August 19, 2021
Such a beautiful soul. Love you my friend. I can only imagine how happy you are. Our hearts are broken.
Sherry Everett
August 18, 2021
Oh my goodness my heart is broken! I loved your mom and was always so glad to see her and talk with her. My heart goes out to you all during this time. My love and prayers are with y’all:heart: Sherry and Phillip