Photo courtesy of Comeaux-Community Mortuary & Cremations - Beaumont
Nov 14, 1932 - May 8, 2025
Sincere condolences to my classmate Lillie and the entire Coney family for the loss of your dear mother, such a sweet lady.
Sandra Nickson
May 30, 2025 | Beaumont, TX | Classmate
Mrs. Billie J. is the last of the Great Matriarchs of Booker St. Her life is a testament of how much she was loved and how God truly blessed her. My condolences to her family. RIHP Mrs.Billie J.
SHERAL ARBUCKLE
May 17, 2025 | Rosenberg, TX | Neighbor
My sincere prayers and condolences are with Otis and the Coney family. May God bless you with the strength and comfort needed at this time. Otis, although your mother will be missed rest assured she’s at peace. Your memories of her will be invaluable in the days ahead as you experience emotional moments. Please know you’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Sandra Jenkins
May 17, 2025 | Cedar Hill, TX | Friend
My sincere condolences to the entire Coney family. You're in my continued thoughts and prayers. God has his loving arms around you all.
Chan Marshall
May 17, 2025 | HOUSTON, TX
I am sorry for the loss of your Mother. Only time will heal the void, put your hands In God’s hands and he will see you through.
Julianna Guidry Clark
May 17, 2025 | Port Arthur, TX | Friend
What an exceptional woman. May she reap many heavenly rewards as she rest in peace.
Mamie Arbuckle
May 14, 2025 | Pearland, TX | Neighbor
Omega Psi Phi class 1971
Condolences from the Supreme 15 Omega Psi Phi Class of 1971 on the passing of your loved one Mr Harry Lewis.
RC Thomas
May 14, 2025 | Houston, TX | Family
To the Beloved Coney Family,
There has always been a quiet comfort in knowing that Mrs. Billie J. Coney was just down the street on Booker. Her presence was a blessing not only to your family, but to ours as well. The deep-rooted friendship between our mothers—Mrs. Billie Coney and our dear mother, Freddie M.—created a bond that extended beyond their lifetimes and into our hearts.
As children on Booker Street, we were raised in a village of love, and it was their...
Vera C Berry
May 14, 2025 | Beaumont, TX | Neighbor
Sending prayers and condolences from the Sonnier’s family
Vicki Sonnier
May 14, 2025 | Neighbor
Billie Joy Williams was the only child born to Lillie Bruce and Harry Williams on November 14, 1932, in the home of her grandparents, Irma (Mama Honey) and Harrison Wilson, in Beaumont, Texas. It was fitting that at a young age, Billie J. received the Lord and was baptized at Magnolia Baptist Church, where her grandfather had donated the land, and her grandmother sold fish dinners to help build it.
Billie J. was raised by her grandmother, Irma Wilson, from the age of nine after her mother's death. Billie J. excelled academically and socially at Charlton Pollard High School, and at 14, she earned her beautician's license, following in her mother's footsteps in the hair care profession. In 1950, Billie J. married Clarence Lewis and had her first child, Harry. Billie J. and Clarence later divorced.
In 1953, Laurel C. Coney (LC) returned home from service in Korea, and he began dating Billie J. On June 11, 1953, LC and Billie J. married, and their family grew with the birth of six more children: David, Reginald, Otis, Lillie "Princess," Harrison "James," and Lydia.
Billie J. was a stay-at-home mom who operated a beauty shop from her home until she and LC opened the National Wig Shop on College Street and Avenue C. LC and Billie J. opened the first black woman-owned business in downtown when they leased a storefront on Orleans Street. Billie J. hired a diverse group of women to help her run the wig shop, including Hispanic, Jewish, White, and Black women. This was unheard of in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Billie J. was ambitious and driven, taking a position with Golden State Mutual Life Insurance Company, the largest black business west of the Mississippi, in the early 70s, and she became the first female manager at Golden State Life Insurance Office.
In early 1979, her devoted husband, LC Coney, was diagnosed with lung cancer and passed away on December 6, 1979, after 25 years of marriage.
Billie J. retired from Golden State and became an independent agent for the company, later joining Universal Life Insurance as an agent. Life continued to bring opportunities to Billie J. as her family grew, engaging her nurturing spirit with the arrival of her many grandchildren: Teri, Billye, Yvain, LaToya, LaTosha, Lydia, Leigh, Laurel Christopher, Karmen, Kamille, Jasmin, Jonathan, and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and loved ones. Billie J. continued her spiritual quest through missionary work, which took her to Belize, and through the Bible Study Fellowship (BSF).
In December 2013, Billie J. suffered a stroke that changed her life, transforming her from the consummate caregiver to someone requiring 24/7 care for the remainder of her life. She expressed a strong preference for remaining in her home, and her children worked to make that happen. Her youngest son, Harrison, took on the role of chief caregiver and coordinated her care, traveling to Beaumont one week a month to fine-tune her care regimen and spend quality time with her. Her other children held supporting roles, assisting with and participating in her day-to-day caregiving.
Through her faith and resilience, Billie J. faced many challenges and overcame various health setbacks over the years. Her home remained the center of family holidays and celebrations, affectionately known as Granny's House by her family.
Billie J. transitioned from her earthly labor to her heavenly reward on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her son, Reginald C. Coney, and her siblings, Sophie Williams and Harry Williams Jr.
Billie J. leaves a legacy of love and wisdom to her children: Harry W. Lewis (Renee), David L. Coney (Janice), Otis L. Coney (Sherida), Lillie "Princess" Bruce Coney, Harrison James Coney (Roderick), and Lydia Roumo (Virgil). Billie J.'s siblings from her father Harry Williams' second marriage to Iva Broussard are Sophie, Tina, Harvey, and Iva Denise. She is also survived by twelve grandchildren, twenty-one great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and a host of nephews, nieces, and other family and friends.
The family deeply appreciates the precious moments spent with their mother during her final journey of faith. The stories shared, and the love we experienced are a true testament to the spirit of Christianity that Billie J embodied. Thank you to everyone who took the time to visit, pray for, be with us, and embrace our family with love.
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