Billie McCracken

Billie McCracken, 90, passed away peacefully at John Knox Village Care Center on Friday evening, July 1, 2016. She was surrounded by family. Billie was born to Russell and Blanche Stewart and grew up in Henrietta, Missouri. She was blessed to have loving parents and many doting aunts and uncles that made her growing up days idyllic. Billie graduated from Central Missouri State Teachers College, where she met the love of her life, James M. McCracken. He affectionately called her “Bee.” She and Jim were married in 1948 and celebrated 63 years of marriage before his death in 2012. Billie taught school for 36 years, mostly at Pitcher Elementary in the Kansas City (MO) school district. She loved being a 2nd & 3rd grade teacher, and even as she aged, her former students continued to be in touch with her. After her retirement, Billie became a “volunteer extraordinaire” at Truman Lakewood Hospital. In 1999 she was honored as volunteer of the year. Billie and Jim moved to John Knox Village in 2003. She loved her home and enjoyed yard work and friends there. Billie is survived by her brother, Noland Stewart (wife, Virginia); son, James R McCracken; daughter, Nancy J Lyngar (husband, Frank Lyngar); five grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Visitation will be from 11AM – 12 PM at Floral Hills Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 6th, 2016 with graveside services beginning at noon in Floral Hills Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the youth group of your church.