Billie Joe Winton

Billie was born in Nacona, TX on February 11, 1926, to John Willie Brannum and Annie Mae Oliver. She came to the San Joaquin Valley in 1943, and had resided in San Joaquin, CA for most of her life. Here is where she met the "Love of her life", Donald Wayne Winton, and together they raised seven children.

She was a strong willed woman, always working hard to make a good living for her family and relatives. She and her husband always had a huge

vegetable garden which fed anyone in need. Along with raising a family, she cared for many family members, making sure they had a place to live

and eat. Nothing made her happier than caring for her grandchildren and teaching them most of her skills, which included cooking, sewing, canning, and crafts. Gardening was also one of her favorites. She was a remarkable wife, mother and nana.

Along with all her family care, she was a volunteer for the Local VFW in San Joaquin, CA. She served as Treasurer, Secretary, and also President of this organization for many years. She also believed in giving back to her community by volunteering her skills where ever they were needed.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her son Darrel; and brothers, William, Stanley, Paul, Lee, and Harvey. Also her sisters, Katy, Clara,

and Metra.

She is survived by Donald, her husband of 63 years; a sister, Sadie Brown of Washington; her children, Jerry, Danny, Mary, Ray, Kay, and

Donnie; 26 grandchildren; 39 greatgrandchildren; and six great-great grandchildren, who knew her as "Nana". She also is survived by many

nieces and nephews; and a family pet dog known as Cody.

The family would also like to thank many nurses, aids and staff of Optical Hospice, for their love and care of Billie during the last year of her life.

A Celebration of her Life will be held at Tinkler Funeral Chapel on Friday, January 23, 2015, at 1:00p.m. Interment will follow at Fresno Memorial Gardens in Fresno.

Remembrances may be made in Billie's honor to VFW; American Cancer Society; or the Alzheimer's Association.