Minister Billie Ruth Stovall

Psalms 34

I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth . . .

Billie Ruth Stovall was born on Wednesday, June 28, 1939, to the union of the late Henry Lee White and the late Eddie Lee Calhoun in Lubbock Texas. She was the eldest child of three children. Billie Ruth had a great compassion for helping others from childhood to her celestial transition on Monday, March 18, 2024.

Billie Ruth moved to Los Angeles California with her parents in 1947 along with her two brothers Henry Lee White (deceased) and Earl White.

They later moved to Fresno California in 1948. Billie Ruth attended Edison High School and later transferred to Washington Union High School in Easton California where she graduated in 1958.

It was a beautiful sunny day in 1953 when by chance a short trip to the grocery store would change her life. There she encountered a young handsome man named Moses Stovall, “Mo” became her lovingly name for her future husband and best friend of 63 years. “Mo” laughs when he talks about their encounter at the grocery store giving little details but was sure not to let her go without her permission to walk her home with a planned revisit. After courting for two years with a promise that he would marry Billie, “Mo” went on to complete his Boot Camp training in Southern California Camp Pendleton and then honorably stationed at Pearl Harbor to serve his country as a proud US Marine.

Upon returning home, “Mo” wasted no time and drove his yellow canary Chevy convertible straight to Fresno California to Marry the love of his life on April 18, 1960, at Fellowship Baptist Church in West Fresno.

Their love for the ministry led them to Bethesda Apostolic Church in 1965 where they grew spiritually hand in hand, thus creating a beautiful roadmap of a faithful marriage and devotion in the Word of God. They would later be blessed with their son Kenneth Allen Stovall where she naturally emerged in being a dedicated and loving mother. Billie enjoyed church gatherings and social events immensely. And she always looked forward to a Church Fashion Show so she could wear a stylish hat. You couldn’t help but laugh when it was her turn to walk down the runway. Billie had poise, star quality and that more than confident sanctified walk . . . She knew she was sharp.

Her love for knowledge encouraged her to receive her associate in arts degree. During her lifetime she worked in Office Administration and Social Services. She would later become the Librarian for West Fresno County Library, giving her a perfect opportunity to encourage children to embrace the love and power of reading. Billie Ruth passionately worked for the Fresno County Library until her retirement.

Minister Billie Ruth Stovall was preceded in death by her parents, Henry Lee White, and Eddie Lee Calhoun along with her brother Henry White and Nephew Earl White Jr.

Minister Billie Ruth Stovall leaves to cherish her life and legacy: her loving and devoted husband, Elder Moses Stovall; son Kenneth Allen Stovall; daughters Reba Taylor, Valerie Watson – Smith (husband Valentino Smith), Muriel Pena * Granddaughter – Natalie Watson – Singleton * Nieces - Teresa Stovall Norman, Jacqueline White, Tracie White Fields* Nephew Anthony Norman Sr., * Nephew - Fernando Stovall, Nephew Caleb Jerome White, Sister in law Gloria White * Brother - Pastor Earl White * Brother in Law - Roosevelt Stovall * Godson - Danny Taylor and Godson – Herman Carter * Her Bethesda Apostolic Church Family * a host of relatives and friends.

Accomplishments and Awards:

Association in Arts Degree

State Bible Bowl P.W.A.

State Missionary P.W.A.

Youth Leader at Bethesda Apostolic Church

Clubs and Organization:

School Teacher 1967 * State Program Committee Chair 1990-1994

Teen State Director 1995- 1999 * Children Church Director from 1995 – 1998

Women’s Team Leader 1998- 2004

Faithful member of the Deacon and Minsters Wives Organization

A funeral service for Billie will be held Saturday, April 27, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home, 836 E. Nees Ave., Fresno, CA 93720. Following the funeral service will be a graveside service from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM at Fresno Memorial Gardens, 175 S Cornelia Ave, Fresno, CA 93706.

The Family Request that attendees not wear black. We would like to give our loved one a Celestial Homegoing. White or Beige attire is respectfully requested. Thank you.

Note: Please send all flowers directly to funeral home by noon of April 26, 2024