Barbara Ann Billington

Some people spend their earthly lives leaving their footprints on the hearts of others with their kindness, influence, and friendship. Such a person was Barbara Billington, a woman that was loved, is missed, and will always be cherished. Our world will be a bleaker place without her, her infectious laughter and fantastic sense of humor…

Barbara’s life began on February 19, 1936, the oldest of two daughters born to Cecil and Lucille (Davis) Bean. Barbara was born in Jones County, Texas, where she would spend her childhood, grow up, make many lifelong friends, and go to school. She was very proud to be a Stamford Bulldog where she graduated in 1954. Stamford is where Barbara would meet the love of her life, Mr. Leon Billington. Barbara and Leon had a budding friendship throughout high school that would turn into a beautiful fairy tale romance lasting 69 years. Leon and Barbara were married January 2, 1954, in Via Acuna, Mexico.

Barbara continued her education at West Texas State in Canyon, Texas where she earned her bachelor’s degree in 1957. The Billington’s relocated to Rancho, California where Barbara taught English for three years at Mills Jr. High School. As Leon began to thrive in his business Barbara retired from teaching to become a homemaker and mother to their children: James, Marc, Jason, and Lisa Gayle. Barbara was renowned for her cooking and baking skills.

The Billington’s eventually returned to their historical family farm in Jones County and Barbara once again entered the work force at Anson I.S.D., where she taught English and Drama for 20 years. As a people person Barbara soon rekindled old friendships and made new ones as she became active in the area communities. She was a member of the Old Timers Association, served on the board of the Museum of the West Texas Frontier as the head docent and local historian. When given a compliment for her local knowledge at the museum she would often reply with, “Here I am Saint Barbara, I have an opinion about everything”, followed with one of her contagious laughs!  Barbara was the grease that keep the wheels turning at the New Hope Cemetery through her active fund raising. By faith, Barbara was an integral member of the First Baptist Church in Stamford and their music ministry. Barbara was a beloved musician playing the piano and organ blessing everyone with her talent during church services, revivals, and musicals.

Prior to Barbara’s passing on January 3, 2023, at the age of 86 years, 10 months, and 14 days, she was preceded in death by her parents, Cecil and Lucille Bean, daughter Lisa Gayle Billington in 2014 and her sister, Judy Robbins.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Leon Billington of the home; three sons: James Billington, Marc Billington and Jason Billington; other relatives and a host of friends.

Visitation: January 10, 2023, from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. at Tankersley Funeral Home 807 Columbia in Stamford; Funeral Services: January 11, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church with Rev. Dan Stewart officiating. Interment: New Hope Cemetery under the direction of Tankersley Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to New Hope Cemetery %Dorothy Anderson, PO Box 688, Stamford, TX 79553.