Billy Ruth Van Brocklin

Arriving later in life as an only child to Jessye Leflore and Charlie Stephens Miller, Billy Ruth burst upon the world in Vicksburg, Mississippi, on September 30, 1929-just weeks before the stock market crash that launched the Great Depression. Moving from Vicksburg to Bassfield and finally Lucedale, Mississippi, following her father's job as a superintendent of schools, Billy Ruth's upbringing reflected the priorities of her God-fearing, sports- and nature-loving, educator parents. With a Baptist father and a Methodist mother, she attended not one but two church services every Wednesday evening and Sunday morning. The exposure took, and her faith grew stronger with each year of life. The outdoors served as a perennial childhood playground and fostered a lifelong love of nature-both flora and fauna.

As a strong student and accomplished athlete, Billy Ruth graduated valedictorian of her high school class and was "All-State" in both basketball and track. Much to her chagrin, she headed to college at Mississippi State College for Women in the back of a pickup truck driven by someone else's parents. It did not matter. She had an innate elegance and carried herself with the confidence of one assured of her God and her ability to forge her own path in the world. As planned, she transferred to Ole Miss for her last two years, pledging Phi Mu, being named the University's "Miss Congeniality," and being taught by John Faulkner (and occasionally by his brother William when John could not make it to class). In her senior year, Billy Ruth was offered a fellowship in the English department, which she declined, anxious to get out and see the world.

She took to flight, becoming a stewardess for Chicago & Southern. There, she made friends she cherished the rest of her life. At a weekend picnic next to a lake, she spotted a certain long-legged young man swinging out over the water and instantly recognized that he needed someone to care for him. Less than a year later, they married, and she became-for the next 70 years (minus 31 days)-Mrs. Finley Gwinn Van Brocklin.

As a team, with old-school division of labor, Billy Ruth and "Van" raised three children: Finley Jr., Thomas, and Elizabeth. At childbirth, they lost one son, David Allen, whom Billy Ruth remembered and quietly grieved the rest of her life.

Billy Ruth gave back to her community through leadership participation in multiple organizations, including Maternal Welfare League, Le Bonheur, and most enduringly Second Presbyterian Church. She loved her time in the Red Acres Garden Club and the younger people with whom it connected her. She was blessed with eight grandchildren whom she loved dearly, never saw enough, and in whom she delighted tremendously.

Though she loved God's creation and was in no hurry to move on, Billy Ruth faced death head-on. No compromises for her. In the throes of crossing to the other side, she clearly refused pain medication offered her. She saw her Lord and her parents waiting and was focused on joining them.

She leaves her bereaved husband, Finley; her children, Finley Jr., Thomas (Nelle), and Elizabeth Still (George); as well as seven of her grandchildren: Reilly, Carr, and Alison Van Brocklin; George J. Still III, John T., and Eleanor ("Ellie") Still; and Lily Van Brocklin. Additionally, she leaves two precious great-grandchildren, Fitz and Margot Van Brocklin. She was preceded in death by her grandson, Finley Still.

Her family wishes to thank David Partson, who cared for her lovingly and patiently during the last 18 months of her life.

Visitation will be Thursday, June 26, at 1:00 PM in The Salmon Room, followed by Service at 2:00 PM in the Chapel at Second Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Church Health or a charity of your choice.