Billie Jo Stansberry

Billie Jo Stansberry was born in Oklahoma City on Sept 2, 1931, the child of William and Ruth Hogue. She attended Classen High School graduating in 1949 and then Oklahoma City University graduating in 1953. She was an active member of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority and remained active as an alum. After graduation she moved to Washington D.C. to work for U.S. Senator Lyndon B. Johnson. While in Washington she married her husband Richard D. Stansberry M.D, they later separated but they had one Child Rev. Richard D Stansberry Jr of Oklahoma City. While in Washington she was able to meet and work with many very interesting people, which she fondly remembered. Later in life in 1980 she was able to return to Washington to work for U. S. Senator Don Nickles, which she really enjoyed, and he was so kind to give her a wonderful career for 24 years.

Born during the great depression she like many of her era learned early the value of hard work and dedication. Prior to returning to Washington D.C she worked for many years for Dr. John Peters who founded the World Neighbors Organization and also State Senator Mary Helm and later State Senator Don Nickels prior to his election to the U. S. Senate. She always had a keen interest in politics and worked on many campaigns for Henry Bellmon, Dewey Bartlett, Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford to name a few. She was president of the Oklahoma County Republican Women’s club and also president of the Gamma Phi alumni group. She loved hosting receptions and coffees in her home.

At the age of 43 she was diagnosed with Macular Retina Degeneration which would eventually render her legally blind and unable to drive. With her grit and determination she continued to work and would often take the city bus to work or ride with friends. She was able to overcome this hardship and keep going even if it was difficult. She was a devoted caregiver to her mother when she was dying and was always willing to help out her friends when needed. Later in life she became a member of the Catholic Church and was a faithful member of Christ the King Catholic Church for many years. Her funeral Mass will be held at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Oklahoma City on November 10th at 11:00 AM, where her son is the Rector. Her son would like to thank the many people who helped to care for her in these last few years as her mobility became more limited. You gave her a great deal of comfort and care. In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Cathedral of Our Lady Mercy Center Campaign or the Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School Endowment Fund.