Billie W. Lorenz

Billie W. Lorenz, 92, of Fort Smith, passed away on Friday, June 6, 2014. Billie’s love for others led to her interest in becoming a teacher. She studied at Northeastern, where she was chosen to be among the Who’s Who of American Universities. She retired from her teaching career, from Sunnymede Elementary School, here in Fort Smith. After her retirement she went to the University of Arkansas, and got her degree in counseling. She and her husband loved to travel, and went to all parts of the world. After returning from their trips, they enjoyed sharing the photos with family and friends. She was a member of First Christian Church Disciples of Christ, and remained active there, and was always known as a wonderful Christian lady who shared her love towards everyone. She was a member of First Christian Church Interfaith Community Center, Christian Women’s Fellowship, Retired Teachers, Delta Kappa Gamma, and the Fort Smith Camera Club. Billie is survived by her daughter Joy (Awbrey) Schichtl and husband William E., of Conway, and her son, John L. Awbrey, of Van Buren. She also has a brother, Dr. John Hudson and his wife Jean, of Owasso, Oklahoma. She has six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren, and a host of nephews and nieces. Funeral services for Mrs. Lorenz will be held on Tuesday at the First Christian Church Disciples of Christ, at 10 am, followed by a committal service at Gracelawn Cemetery, in Van Buren. A visitation will be held Monday, June 9, 2014 from 6:30 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Pallbearers are John I. Awbrey, Mike Lorenz, Mark Shultz, Larry Denton, Rick Hudson and Billy MedicineBird.