OBITUARY

NAME: Billie Eugenia (Atkisson) Jackson, age 82, a longtime Atoka, OK resident.

BORN: She was born on Friday, October 12, 1934, to Eugene Atkisson and Millie (Hallows) Rard, at Center Point, OK.

PASSED AWAY: Billie passed away on Sunday, February 26, 2017 at Atoka, OK.

AGE: 82 years, 4 months and 14 days.

EDUCATION AND OCCUPATION: She graduated from Atoka High School in 1952 and received a Registered Nursing Degree from St. Anthony's School of Nursing in 1955. She enjoyed nursing for over 40 years, practicing in both California and Oklahoma. She was the Director of Nurses at the Atoka Hospital during the mid to late 1970's. Billie spent her last 18 years of nursing working in the clinic at the McLoud Correctional Center. To her patients she was kind and compassionate, often giving a healthy dose of honest, unsolicited advice which was always accompanied by a quick smile or a bit of wit and laughter.

MARRIED: She married Leroy Jackson on Sunday, May 15th, 1955 at Visalia, CA. They had 4 children, three boys and one girl. Billie worked hard to raise her family and put them second only to God. She was always there for her family providing comfort and love in all the difficult moments life had to offer.

CHURCH AFFILIATION, HOBBIES AND OTHER AFFILIATIONS: Billie's love for Christ showed through at all times and in every aspect of her life. Through the loss of a child she still held fast to the promises and love of her Lord and Savior. If ever you were to ask her how she survived such a painful loss, she would tell you it was only by clinging to Jesus. She was a charter and active member in her church, Calvary Temple. When Billie was first diagnosed with cancer, she took the news calmly. Her spunk and belief in God, The Great Healer, gave her a peace that surpasses all understanding. She decided not to undergo chemotherapy, but rather spend her days loving and sharing with her family and friends. Even though she deteriorated, her spirit, spunk, and faith remained strong. She was honest, generous, and smart. Billie never lost her quick wit or sense of humor. She was always ready to share a smile or laugh. She often reminded her family not to be sad when she left this earth, assuring them that she was secure because of her relationship with Jesus. She would tell them she was going to be so very happy with her God, her husband, Leroy, her son, Timmy and all the multitude of others who were waiting for her in Heaven. Her last days were spent spending quality time with family and friends. She wanted to remind everyone she would be waiting for them at the Eastern Gate.

SURVIVED BY

CHILDREN: Troy R. Jackson and wife Phyllis of Farris, OK

Laura Durbin and husband David of Atoka, OK

Dean Jackson and wife Dana of Lane, OK

STEP BROTHERS: J.A. (Pete) Rard of Oklahoma City, OK

William (Wiggy) Rard of Oklahoma City, OK

along with numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and other relatives and many dear and loved friends.

PRECEDED IN DEATH BY

HUSBAND: Leroy Jackson

FATHER: Eugene Atkisson

MOTHER: Millie (Hallows) Rard

STEP FATHER: Julius Rard

STEP SISTER: Allen (Rard) Dunham

SISTER: Mildred (Atkisson) Tookolo

YOUNGEST SON: Timothy Ray Jackson

DEAR FRIEND AND COMPANION: Frank R. James

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DATE OF SERVICES: 10:00 AM Wednesday, March 1st, 2017

PLACE OF SERVICES: Brown's Funeral Chapel, Atoka, Oklahoma

OFFICIATING: Bro Hershel Justice, Bro Mack Dolchok

INTERMENT: Farris Cemetery, Farris, Oklahoma

CASKETBEARERS: Grandsons, David Durbin, Jr., Blake Jackson, Dillan Durbin, Jordan Jackson, Shannon Reece, John Denson, Rob Inman, Kevin Miller

HONORARY CASKETBEARERS: Granddaughters, Jeana Reece, Hilary Denson, Lauren Durbin-Inman, Hannah Miller, Emalie Jackson, Amber Jackson, Erin Durbin

CONDOLENCES MAY BE SENT TO THE FAMILY BY EMAIL TO: BROWNS@ATOKA.NET. PLEASE REFERENCE THE NAME OF THE DECEASED IN YOUR CORRESPONDENCE

FAMILY NIGHT IS TUESDAY 6-8PM

SERVICES UNDER THE DIRECTION OF

BROWN 'S FUNERAL SERVICE - ATOKA, OK