Billie Jenkins

Our mom, Billie Coker Jenkins, was called Home by Jesus on Wednesday, April 16th, at the age of 97 with the two of us by her side. Born on a farm in Prairieville, just north of Mabank, Texas, on December 2, 1927, she came into this world full of energy and spunk. She remembered riding the school bus before she was old enough to attend school because her dad was the driver. On inclement nights when the weather kept them from returning home, they would stay in the structure specifically built for such occasions. Quite a fun adventure for a youngster!
Eventually, she moved with her parents, Clarence and Alma Loden Coker, and brother Vernon, to Dallas. Mom became interested in journalism at Woodrow Wilson High School, and while at North Texas Agricultural College (now UT-Arlington), she edited the school newspaper. After graduation, her journalism career took her to employment at the Dallas Times Herald.
Mom wouldn't hesitate to tell everyone the highlight of her years in Arlington was meeting a young man who had just returned from serving in the Merchant Marines. It was a double date, but they were not matched together-both couples ended up seeing the other's date. Their match was definitely orchestrated by God! Mom and our Dad, James R. Jenkins, were married on December 18, 1948. Dad's career took them to Wichita Falls, San Antonio, Dallas, and finally to Tyler (to be with grandkids, of course). Tyler became their home, participating in many couples' activities, especially dancing. Oh, how they loved to dance, continuing to do so until his death in 2018.
Mom had quite the eye for color, texture, and scale, which led to building several different personal homes in Tyler just because she enjoyed doing so! She was energetic, fun, and loved a good laugh even until her death. Mom and Dad were members of Green Acres Baptist Church and John Child's Sunday School Class. She also loved the time spent with The Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary, Newcomers Club, and Alzheimer's Alliance.
Mom is predeceased in death by her husband, Jim Jenkins, parents, Clarence and Alma Coker; brother and sister-in-law, Vernon and Lindy Coker; her infant daughter, Julie, and son-in-law, Jerry Ennis.
Left to remember her love and memories are her daughters, Jamie Sabota (Mike) and Lisa Lyle (James). She was known as "Honey" to her much-adored grandchildren, Zach Sabota (Britt) and Lexie Roberts (Michael), and her great-grandchildren, Stratford, Rosalie, Waverley Sabota, and Elliott Roberts. Billie was also very proud and close to her nephews and their wives, Steve Coker (Leslie), Stan Coker (Alice); and nieces, Sandra Gunlock, Marty Wynn and also her special friend Sandie Tannery.
We take comfort in knowing that she has returned to be with the Lord and Savior Jesus, and to her family members and friends that preceded her to Heaven.
The family expresses our thanks to Primrose Memory Care for their loving care of Mom during these last years- Neenee, Jackie, Mae, Lisa, Shaston, Kristen, Toya, Shakya, and Giovonne. Also, to Heart to Heart Hospice-Nurse Lauren Mirsky, and Chaplain Jeff.
Honorary Pallbearers will be: Mike Sabota, James Lyle, Zach Sabota, Steve Coker, Stan Coker, Michael Roberts, and Tom Roberts.
A family graveside will be held at Cathedral in the Pines Cemetery with Rev. Kevin Burdette officiating. Followed by a Celebration of Life Reception at 11:00 AM, Thursday, April 24, 2025, at Stewart Family Funeral Home, 7525 Old Jacksonville Hwy, Tyler, Texas.
If desired, memorials may be made to the Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary, 633 North Broadway, Tyler, Texas 75702
"But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have died." 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14