Billie Jeane Garner passed away peacefully on June 23, 2025 minutes after a chaplain played hymns and prayed the 23rd Psalm with her. She will be missed by so many, but especially by her daughters Nanette Petrie of Southlake, TX, Gwen Garner and her sweet Nancy Frederick of Lucas, TX. Billie leaves 2 grandchildren, Owen “O” Petrie of Denver, CO, and Ashley Davis and her family, Chris, Carson, and Penny of Joshua, TX.
Billie is also survived by loving in-laws, Mark and Milly Garner and their daughter, Suzie Garner of Grand Junction, CO, as well as many treasured cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Billie was born in Tehuacana, TX in January, 1937 into a Methodist minister’s family…a family of fine cooks. After marrying Robert Lee Garner, their family lived in several Texas towns, then settled in the Keller/Southlake area where they lived for over 50 years. She was a high school home economics teacher, was an active member of the Keller United Methodist Church, and was loved by countless neighbors, friends, and students.
She was a devoted mother, daughter, and wife. She loved children, animals, music, singing (she had the most beautiful alto voice), cooking, and had a special gift for arranging flowers.
She is now reunited with her husband, Robert Lee Garner, her parents, Rev. Norman and Avis Purvis, her brother, Baylis Purvis, and a host of family members and friends.
A memorial service for Billie will take place on Wednesday, July 2nd, 12 PM at Keller United Methodist Church, 1025 Johnson Road Keller, Texas 76248.
The family asks that any memorials be directed to your local church’s music ministry or the following:
The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research
Fighting Blindness.org
