Willie Lee "Billie" Owen

Willie “Billie” Owen, 86, of Lake Charles left this earthly world in the comfort of her own home with her husband by her side on Thursday, February 11, 2021.  Mrs. Owen is survived by her devoted husband of 68 years, Richard Dale, their three sons, Richard Dale II (Jeri) of Sulphur, Alan Drew (Elizabeth) of Beaumont, TX, and John Christopher (Katherine) of Lake Charles; eight grandchildren: Sandra Manuel, Jason Hale, Heather Owen, Tiffany David, Andrew Owen, Grace Owen, Meredith Owen, Sarah Owen and six great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, Lloyce, Roy, and Dean Hamilton, her beloved sister Faye Hines and granddaughter, Melissa Owen.

Billie was born on July 15, 1934, in Newton, Texas, the youngest child of Recy and Jessie Hendricks Hamilton.  

She married her true love Richard Dale in 1953 and lived her vows daily to love, honor and cherish him.  Her favorite holiday was Labor Day, their wedding anniversary.

Billie worked for South Central Bell for 45 years and retired in 1996.  She earned many accolades and awards over her career.  It was her love of serving family, however, that she will be most remembered for.  Her joy was cooking family meals for dinner around the table, where there was always more than enough to feed an army.  Her cooking skills were second to none and to be sure, “a little more butter will make it better!”  As matriarch, her home was the family gathering place, always guaranteed to have a delicious home cooked meal.  Nini was well known for her delicious gumbo, as well of many other East Texas family recipes, including the secret to making perfect grits.

A private family graveside service will be held Friday, February 19, 2021 at 2:00 PM in Merryville Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home of Lake Charles.  A memorial service to celebrate her life will be announced at a later date for family and friends.

Memorial donations may be made to Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) https://www.curesma.org/