Billie Smith

Billie Sue Smith passed away peacefully on October 31st, at her home in Lenexa, Kansas.

Billie was born in Keener, Arkansas to Bascum and Zella Barnett on December 13th 1935.  She spent much of her childhood in Bergman, Arkansas with her aunt and uncle, Faye and Jim Davidson and their son, JC.  She graduated from Bergman High School in 1954 and then attended Harding College in Searcy Arkansas.  After college, Billie moved to Oklahoma City where she married and started a family.  In 1961 she relocated to the Kansas City area which became her home.  Billie was a homemaker and also worked outside the home.  She lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures, chatting with friends, eating her favorite foods and visiting her family.  Billie was a Christian and a member of several Christian churches throughout her life.

Billie is survived by her children, Michael McGowan (Sarah), Jan Kokoruda (Charles) and Robert  McGowan (Kathi), her grandchildren, Chris Kokoruda, Bryan Kokoruda, Kelly Kokoruda, Eric McGowan, Katherine McGowan, Josh McGowan and Shawn McGowan, and her great grandchildren, Bridget, Natalie, Jocelyn and Kendra.

Visitation will be from 10:00am to 11:00am on Saturday November 3rd at Johnson County Funeral Chapel, 11200 Metcalf, Overland Park, Kansas.  A graveside service will follow at Shawnee Mission Memorial Gardens, 23215 W 75th Street, Shawnee, Kansas.

Special thanks are given to all of the loving caregivers from Homestead of Lenexa and Compassionate Care Hospice.