Billie Williams

Jeanne Williams, 87, passed away at her home in Alpine, Texas on May 19, 2014 surrounded by her family. She is now resting peacefully in the loving arms of her Heavenly Father after an eighteen year battle with cancer. Jeanne was born Billie Jeanne Starnes on September 14, 1926 in Elmer, Oklahoma to Howard K. and Eva Duncan Starnes. Her early years were spent with her family in El Monte, California before moving to Alpine, Texas in 1943 where she met the love of her life, Erie Jackson Williams. Jack and Jeanne were married in Alpine on May 30, 1947. In their 67 years of marriage they were inseparable loving and caring for each other, raising their family, working, serving their community, travelling, dancing, and enjoying life to the fullest.

Jeanne received both her bachelor and masters degrees at Sul Ross State University and taught at Centennial School and Alpine High School where she profoundly touched the lives of her students. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother, and a loyal generous friend. Jeanne was a member of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Alpine. Jeanne had a passion for cooking, decorating, entertaining, dancing and music particularly Mariachi music. She loved gardening, golf, her pets, reading, fashion, sewing, knitting and needlepoint. Jack and Jeanne frequently enjoyed spending vacations in Mexico.

Jeanne had a colorful style, all her own, and her vibrant personality will be dearly missed by her family and many friends. She is survived by her husband Jack and their three children daughter Jaclyn Sanchez and husband Knobby, grandsons KJ Sanchez and Omar Sanchez his wife Amber, all of Midland son Scott Williams and wife Karen, granddaughter Mariah Williams, all of Alpine, and granddaughter Jessica Williams of San Antonio son Jeff Williams of Alpine, grandson Jeremiah Williams his wife Debra of Corpus Christi four great grandchildren a sister Sally Compton of Bedford and many nieces and nephews. Jeanne was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Howard D. Starnes.

A graveside memorial service and celebration of life for Jeanne Williams will be held at Elm Grove cemetery in Alpine at a date to be announced. Memorial donations may be made in memory of Jeanne to the Alpine Public Library, Alpine Humane Society, the American Cancer Society or the charity of your choice.