Billie Faye Funderburk

Billie excelled in both academics and sports, but especially loved tennis. She graduated from Kermit High School and she and her husband earned Bachelors degrees from Southwest Texas Teachers College; now Texas State University. After their move to Houston they both worked for the Houston Independent School District. Billie taught 3rd and 6th grade at Stephens Elementary School for 30 years. She was loved and admired by everyone who knew her and former students wrote, called, and visited until her death.

Billie married Durl Winston Funderburk on May 28, 1946 and they were happily married for 70 years. They briefly lived in Alaska, Mississippi and San Marcos, but always considered Houston to be home. After retiring, Billie and Durl enjoyed traveling across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico in their RV. Durl worked as a summer National Park Ranger in Mesa Verde NP and Grand Teton NP. Billie worked in the Grand Teton bookstore when she wasn’t out hiking and exploring the beautiful parks.

Her interests included spending time with her family, hiking, crossword puzzles, sewing and quilting, visiting museums, listening to opera and reading. Billie loved being outdoors and always kept her sense of wonder about the natural world.

Her strong, independent spirit lives on through her two granddaughters; Erica Diane Rocha and Kerri Lynn Funderburk and six great-grandchildren; Aryanna Pickens, Dante Angelle, Sophia, Miguel, and Isabella Cielo, and Emma Faye Reeves. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews; many of them considering her their second mother. Billie was preceded in death by her husband Durl, two sons, Bryan and Karl and her nine beloved siblings and their spouses.

A memorial service for Billie will be held Sunday, August 22, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at Heights Funeral Home, 1317 Heights Blvd., Houston, Texas 77008. A second memorial event is being planned for October 2021.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.heightsfuneralhome.com for the Funderburk family.