Billie Jean Kendrick

The family moved to Kingsville, Texas when she was very young. Billie was a happy and joyful girl. Her education began at Frederick Douglass Elementary and High School. Upon completion of high school she furthered her educational goals by attending C. C. Business College earning a certificate in Data Processing.

Billie had a bright and winning smile her caring and curious eyes didn’t miss a thing. Working as a waitress at the Kingsville N. A. S. Officer’s Club had a great impact on all she served.

Billie found her soulmate, she met Willie Kendrick in Kingsville, Texas and they married on October 3, 1959. He was serving in the U. S. Navy. Billie and her two sons, Kenny and Garland found a beloved husband and father in him. After a few years the family grew with three more children, Steven, Michael and Andrea Kendrick. The Kendricks relocated to NAS Oceana Portsmouth, Virginia. There Billie was employed by General Electric Company and worked for many years. Later moving to Tucson, Arizona, where she worked at Mervyns Department Store as Office Manager, later transferring to San Diego, California and finally retiring a life of leisure in 2003.

Her love and beauty was felt by all. She was affectionately known as “Nana” by all. Billie was a good cook, especially her black-eyed peas. Um, um good!

A solid Christian foundation was laid by her mother and Billie accepted Christ at an early age. With a God-given gift to sing, she blessed the congregations with her melodious voice and was a devoted choir member and always active in church. She was a faithful member of several churches being in a military family.

Billie had a special bond with her sisters and she loved them tremendously. Billie enjoyed visiting, traveling, eating and having a good time. Oops, don’t forget shopping with her daughter, Andrea. Billie made a fashion statement even on her “bad” day.

Billie Jean received her Angel Wings on January 26, 2015.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her soulmate of 56 years, Willie Kendrick; four children, Kenneth Fountain; Garland Fountain (Karen) of Escondido, CA; Andrea Kendrick of Sugarland, Texas; Michael Kendrick (Valerie) of Spring Valley, CA; one sister, Fannie Campbell (Freddie) of San Diego, CA; ten grandchildren; Kourtney Conley, Shakira Fountain, Danikah Fountain, Tonya (Andre’) Ricks, Daniel Fountain, William Fountain, La Shonda Kendrick, Alphonso Kendrick; Alexis and Avery Cox, seven great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends dear to her heart. Last but not least – all her babies she helped raise.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations.