Billie Jean Coleman

Billie Jean Coleman (nee Richards) passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 18, 2005 in Austin, Texas. Billie was born January 21, 1950 in West Chester, Pennsylvania to William and Norma Richards. She graduated Marple Newtown Senior High School on June 13, 1967. A brief marriage in 1968 resulted in the light of her life, her son Dale. Billie raised her son as a single mother, while studying for her nursing degree, which she received from the Camillus Mercy School of Practical Nursing on September 7, 1979. Billie pursued her dream of authoring a novel in 1984, the research for which led her to San Antonio. She shortly thereafter decided to start a new life with Dale in Texas, and they have been Texans ever since. Billie lived in San Antonio for 5 years, then moved to Dallas in 1990. She relocated to Austin in 1995 to be closer to her son, after sustaining a head injury from a car accident. Billie’s disability did not slow her down, however; she went back to school, and earned an Associate of Applied Science in Human Services on May 12, 2000. Billie’s time here with us was much too short, and, when she left us, the world truly lost a “free spirit.” Billie always lived life by her own rules, turning away from the traditional roles of what women “should” be. She undertook the role of a single mother when there was little societal recognition or help for such a task, raising a son whose kindheartedness and compassion for others match her own. She had a deep concern for others, and was a friend to those who were experiencing difficult times in their lives, often helping others through self-sacrifice. She remained single and on her own, as a testament to her independence and her wish to live life on her own terms. She pursued a college degree at a non-traditional age-with the added challenges of a head injury-and succeeded nonetheless. She bore her medical challenges in stride, never losing her ready smile and quick sense of humor, always making light of difficulties she encountered. Her life was never easy, but she undertook everything with a sense of adventure, grace, and resilience. Billie was absolutely devoted to and loved by her son Dale and daughter-in-law Dianne. Life here will never be the same without her. Billie is also dearly missed by her mother Norma, her sister Lynn and brother-in-law John, her nephews John and Jamie and their wives. A devoted cat lover, she leaves behind her two beloved feline children Rocky and Harry. Lastly, she leaves behind countless friends who just loved being around her. Billie was a mother, a sister, a daughter, and a friend. She taught us to live our lives to the fullest and to love one another unconditionally. Her smile and gentle presence will be irreplaceable in the lives of all who knew her. We will have to continue on without her, but her spirit and her lessons will live on in all of us. Billie will be laid to rest in her native Philadelphia area. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to the Humane Society of the United States (www.hsus.org) or the St. Vincent de Paul Society (www.svdpusa.org). Memorials and guestbook online at wcfish.com