Billie M. Wilkes passed away peacefully in her sleep, early Friday, January 19, 2018 in her home at Windsor Meade, Williamsburg.  Billie enjoyed 96 eventful years

Born December 13, 1921 in rural Arkansas, Billie was the "baby sister" in a family of eight children.  Her parents, Elmo and Meldora Masner had a large, busy family and Billie grew-up a happy spirit, and everyone's favorite.  She enjoyed exploring the countryside around her and delighted in adventures with her older siblings.  They hiked in the mountains, explored local caves and "little Billie learned the thrill of dare-devil habits".  This prepared her for the adventures that would come to her as an adult.

In high school Billie was the Humor Editor of the school newspaper and liked working on school plays. Her classmates elected her "best all-round girl".  After graduation she enrolled at Arkansas State University.  While still a freshman she met the love of her life, William W. Wilkes, Jr., a senior.

Billie married William in 1940 and he joined the Marine Corps. Thus began many years of travel for Billie as she accompanied Bill to assignments around the United States, and around the world. They had two children, James, whom everyone called Jimmy, and Judy, both of whom predeceased their mother.

Billie made a pleasant life for her family wherever they were, building on past history and newly learned skills.  Billie learned French and developed a special fondness for France, where they lived when their children were young.  In her role as an officer's wife Billie enjoyed meeting new people and entertaining.  She played Bridge with Bill and acquired Masters Points.  She learned several languages, beyond French, and gained new skills.  She still loved to sing and followed local theater, watching shows on base or in town.

Bill retired from the Marine Corps as a Lt. Colonel in 1962 and they decided to try   Virginia as a pleasant place for retirement.  Bill had been stationed at Camp Peary during WW11, and attended schools at Quantico and they liked the Hampton Roads area.  After much searching they bought a house in Virginia Beach because Billie loved the beach.  Before they got properly moved in they received word that the newly- formed Peace Corps needed Bill.

Bill and Billie were off, traveling the world again, this time in West Africa, where Billie found the whole cultural change fascinating. Bill continued to explain and demonstrate administrative skills.  Bill had become a highly respected consultant in a growing world.  After Gabon he joined the Foreign Service in 1966 and worked in the American Embassy in Chad among other places.  Billie loved the new challenges in her life.

By the 1970s Mr. and Mrs. Wilkes were feeling a call of home and returned to Arkansas, for a quiet life.  Bill ran for and was elected to town council of Maumelle. Billie enjoyed being with old friends but she still liked the beach, and they both liked Virginia so they kept the house at the beach for a few years and in 1980 they traded it for a condominium which Bill and Billie agreed was easier.

Bill Wilkes died in 1990 in Little Rock, Arkansas. Billie began building a life without her beloved Bill.  It seemed reasonable to spend time at the beach and make new friends.  She still enjoyed music and dancing, the theater and the beach. And, she loved to talk, to story- tell.  Billie made many new friends.  After a few years, when she traveled between Arkansas and Virginia she began to think of staying in Virginia, in Williamsburg, just up the interstate from the beach.

In 2002 Billie bought an apartment at Windsor Meade, a beautiful Senior Living facility at Williamsburg. There she has lived, among friends, going shopping, to lunch, to Williamsburg Players Community Theater, to classes at the Library, and in recent years carefully tended to by a well-trained and caring staff. She never stopped saying "come on ya'll, let's go out and have a big time of it!"

Billie Wilkes, from Monette, Arkansas, had a wonderful spirit, and a wonderful life, was loved by many and is fondly remembered as a truly amazing lady. Services will be held at 2pm Friday, January 26, 2018 at the First Baptist Church of Monette, AR.  She has returned to Monette to rest beside her beloved Bill.