Billie Hurst-Gasaway

Billie was born January 13, 1929 to Lou Ona Smith and Edgar Lane Vaught on her family farm on the west side of Norman. Born the youngest of 14 children, she proudly accepted the moniker of being the “spoiled” baby of the family. Billie attended New Hope School and graduated Noble High School in 1946. After high school, she attended Hills Business College in Oklahoma City. Her first job was with the child welfare office of Cleveland County where she earned $100.00 per month. Billie also worked for the City of Norman for a time at the Water Treatment Plant and retired from the Department of Agriculture in 1989 after working for the ASCS office for 25 years. Billie had an impeccable work ethic and made many friends throughout her various jobs. After retirement, Billie volunteered with R.A.I.N-Regional Aids Interfaith Network where she touched many lives.

Billie’s marriage to Wilburn Hurst lasted 43 blissful years. They wed on Sunday, April 4, 1948 during the break between Sunday school and church at Pleasant Hill Free Will Baptist Church- where Bille has remained a beloved member. They were blessed with three children: Ron, Randy and Kay. They delighted in their roles as grandparents and were THE BEST grandparents to Mandi and Jason. Billie’s heart broke when Wilburn suddenly passed in 1991.

A favorite Bible verse of Billie’s was Philipians 4:13: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. She put those words in action and proved to be the strongest woman known. She endured many trials and losses in life and through those showed us grace, endurance and amazing strength. She attributes it all to God and never let a person leave her presence without knowing so. She taught us not to dwell on our problems but look for ways to bless others through our problems. The stories of her blessing others through hers are endless.

Billie was introduced to Jim Gasaway by a mutual friend. They married on May 20, 1994. Jim blessed her with a beautiful life for 24 years and gave her 2 additional sons to love and cherish: Keith and Randy. She also gained two lovely daughters-in-law, Jill and Tammy and seven extra grandchildren, which really made her day! Kathie, Kris, Kyle, Kerry, Shalana, Eric and Amy quickly became cherished pieces of her heart. Billie’s heart broke once again when she lost Jim in 2018.

Billie was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved in-laws-George and Georgia Hurst, all her siblings and their spouses, both husbands, her dear son Randy, and many other relatives. She is survived by her son-Ron Hurst and wife Betty of Norman, daughter-Kay Hurst of Oklahoma City, son-Keith Gasaway and wife Jill of Norman, son-Randy Gasaway and wife Tammy of Moore, special caregiver-Betty Jacques of Little Axe, grandchildren-Mandi and Chris Campbell of Norman, Jason Hurst and Stacy Matthews of Norman, Kathie and Dusty Darr of Oklahoma City, Kris and Lindsay Gasaway of Norman, Kyle and Mave Gasaway of Denver, Kerry and Preston Hartman of Norman, Shalana and Matt Carson of Norman, Eric and Jenna Robles of Fort Collins, and Amy Gasaway of Brooklyn. She is also survived by great-grandchildren: Colton, Averi, Cali, Rylan, Katelyn, Mary Kate, Ashlynn, Reed, Brooklyn, Marley, Madelyn, Drew, Maisie and James.

A celebration of Billie’s life will be held at Primrose 1109 N. Porter Avenue, Norman, OK on Saturday, July 31 at 10:00AM. Visitation will be held Friday, July 30 from 5:00-8:00PM. All are welcome.

Billie will be forever missed, treasured and loved by many.