Billie Jean Collinsworth
Billie Jean Collinsworth passed away peacefully on November 7, 2023, in Boise, Idaho surrounded by her loving family. She was born on October 10, 1933, in Hodge, Louisiana.
Billie is survived by her daughter, Sandra Degnan, and son-in-law, Chris Degnan, of Boise, Idaho; granddaughter Paige Dearman of Addison, Texas; grandsons Chad Dearman ( Jennifer) of Haslet, Texas, Clay Pilley (Ashleigh) of Carrollton, Texas, Collin Degnan of San Diego, California, Alex Degnan of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Nicholas Degnan (Laura) of Boise, Idaho; great- granddaughters Cassie Dearman, Alexandra Dearman, Leona Pilley; great- grandsons Kris Dearman and Atlas Pilley; sister Carole Fullerton of Quitman; and beloved extended family and friends.
Billie was preceded in death by her husband, H.L. (George) Collinsworth, daughter, Cheryl Collinsworth, and parents, Atlas and Clydie Cruell.
Billie married George Collinsworth in 1955 and they spent their 47 years of married life mostly in Jonesboro and Bienville Parish.
Over her lifetime, Billie worked in several different capacities, including retail fine jewelry and fashion apparel, insurance sales, and owner of a craft store, but mostly she served as bookkeeper and co-owner (with her husband) of Collinsworth Farms, producer of Famous Saline Watermelons.
After George passed away in 2002, Billie moved back to Hodge where she enjoyed reconnecting with friends and was a member of Hodge Baptist Church. In 2020, she moved to Washington state to live with her daughter Sandra, son-in-law Chris and their dog, Bailey, who she loved. During her time in Washington she loved visiting the Puget Sound waterfront to watch the ships and boats go by.
In 2022, she moved with Sandra and Chris to Boise, Idaho. For the last 10 months, she lived in Truewood Assisted Living Community in Boise where she was a favorite, adored for her sense of humor and Southern charm. She especially enjoyed the frequent live musical entertainment at Truewood.
Always impeccably dressed, Billie was known for her eye for fashion and artistic flair. She enjoyed reading, Bible study, having fun with family and friends, dining out, sightseeing, and was also great cook. A true steel magnolia, Billie will be deeply missed by her family and friends, but her beautiful spirit will live on through all those whose lives she touched.
This Spring, the family will gather in Louisiana for a private memorial. Her ashes will be interred beside her husband at Friendship Baptist Church cemetery in Friendship.
Memorial donations may be made to Hodge Baptist Church, P. O. Box 340, Hodge, LA 71247 or the American Heart Association at heart.org.
