Billie Lorain Grillo

Mrs. Billie Lorain Grillo was born on October 9, 1931 and passed away April 8, 2020.

Billie hit the grown running as the oldest of three children and having a boy's name. She would be expected from an early age to be smart, tough, and in charge and these are some of the characteristics she would carry with her throughout her life.

As an adult Billie and her husband Sam owned and operated up to three photography studios but her heart was always that of an artist. She thrived at the Southwest Craft Center. Where besides creating many figural clay sculptures and learning to throw pottery she loaded and fired thousands of other student's pottery pieces. She volunteered at the Jewish community center and was later hired to teach ceramics there. Over twenty years Billie successfully exhibited her work in the River Art Gallery, Pieces of Eight Gallery, Galleria II, in Dallas, and throughout the Southwest. She alongside her children did the Starving Artist Show, King William Show, Junior League Christmas Show and numerous other Art shows each year.

Billie was President of Galleria II cooperative gallery where she helped many up and coming Texas artists receive their first professional gallery venue experience.

Billie enjoyed her retirement from the Galleria II. She was able to travel with her daughter, spend time with her brother Michael and his family at Christmas, and try the latest restaurant or Farmer's Market with best friend and fellow artist Mrs. Anne Lopez. She enjoyed being treated to breakfast on Sunday from her son in law Rick and on special occasions an outing to Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino.

Billie fought her terminal blood cancer in the end like she did everything else in life, with her fists held high and her chin up.

Billie is predeceased by her husband Sam Grillo, parents William and Charlie Emley, and brother Charles ( Sonny) Emley. She is survived by her

brother Michael Emley, children: Kevin Grillo, Robin Grillo,

and Tammy Carrier, grand children Mary Elizabeth, Samuel and Collin, and great grandchildren Blade and Blake.