Billie Jean Whitaker Colburn, 93, of Orange, passed away peacefully in her daughter’s home surrounded by family on January 17, 2021.

Due to COVID restrictions, a private family celebration of life will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Orange. Public viewing of the service will be available Monday, January 25, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. online through Claybar Funeral Home’s Facebook page or at www.firstpresorange.com .

Billie Jean Whitaker, the daughter of Paul and Pauline Simmons Whitaker, was born July 3, 1927, in Nacogdoches, Texas. In 1943, her father left his barber shop business and moved his family to Orange for work in the shipyards to support America’s wartime efforts. Billie attended Orange High School and enjoyed playing drums in the band. Following graduation, she worked for the City as a recreation director organizing entertainment and activities for the locals and troops who were stationed in Orange. It was there that she fell in love with the card game, Bridge. That love enabled her to become an excellent Bridge player, playing with numerous Bridge clubs for the rest of her life until health concerns and the COVID-19 pandemic became realities.

However, the greatest opportunity her job provided was for Billie to meet Richard “Dick” Edward Colburn, the love of her life, and she was the love of his. (And that was the end of the job.) They married June 16, 1945, and raised three children, Dickie, Jeep, and Pauline. Billie was the consummate homemaker, cleaning, cooking, managing the home and family life, and caring for their children, all while being beautifully groomed and dressed. She and her husband taught and modeled Christian principles and values. They held themselves, as well as their children, accountable for following them.

Billie was always a school Room Mother and chaperone for field trips. She served as PTA President for the different schools and in other leadership positions for the organization and became a recipient of the “Lifetime PTA Membership Award.” Additionally, Billie served as the Cub Scout and Boy Scout Den Mother, the leader for the Bluebirds and Campfire Girls, and as a Volunteer Red Cross Swimming Instructor for 20+ years.

As an active member of First Presbyterian Church for 74 years with a near perfect attendance record, Billie served many years as a Sunday School and a Vacation Bible School teacher, Women of the Church Circle Leader, chairperson of numerous church committees, as a Deacon and as an Elder. She was also the recipient of the “Life Membership Award,” presented by the Women of the Church organization. Her unwavering faith in God was her strength, and she invested that in others. She loved unconditionally, prayed continuously, studied her Bible daily, and served joyfully.

Billie became a widow at only 48 years of age; however, she carried on with life and continued to learn, grow in her faith, and to encourage and serve others. Her passionate love for God and her family was extended to all who were open to receive it. It was inclusive rather than exclusive. With her steadfast belief that love is reflected through our actions, she demonstrated respect for and genuine interest in all who crossed her path. Billie made every attempt to be present at the events, special occasions, games, and presentations of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren to enjoy them and to show her love and support for them. Every moment was special and to be treasured, especially family time, which she loved.

Billie was deeply loved, adored, respected, and greatly appreciated by her family and all who knew her. She left a powerful legacy through the life she lived and modeled for all. She will be greatly missed, but we will continue to honor her by following the example she set to make the most of our lives and to rejoice in our Lord always!

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard “Dick” Edward Colburn, Sr.; sister, Colleen Kessler; and her parents, Paul and Pauline Whitaker.

She is survived by her three children, Dickie Colburn and wife Karen, Jeep Colburn and wife Carolyn, and Pauline Colburn Hargrove and husband Ricky, all of Orange; six grandchildren, J.J. Colburn and husband Vic Canales, Rafe Colburn and wife Patricia, April King and husband Trey, Kelly Beall and husband Gary, Jeannie Alexander and husband Bruce, and Terri Hoyland and husband Darren; and 11 great-grandchildren, Kyle Dischler and fiancé David Acosta, Kenedie King Beadle and husband Marty, Connor Alexander, Andrew Hoyland, Zachary Dischler, Jordan Alexander, Whitley Hoyland, Ricki King, Hunter Beall, Presley Alexander, and Cameron Dischler.

The family extends their sincere appreciation to caregivers Reina Atkinson, Maureen Bates, and the staff of Kindred Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Orange, Texas or the charity of your choice.