Billie Kathryn (Burks) Becknal

Billie Kathryn Becknal, age 94, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on August 14, 2025. She was born in Paris, Texas July 5, 1931, to Benjamin Elmer Burks and Lola Lee Burks. She graduated from Paris High School. Billie had one older brother Elwood and two sisters, Evelyn and Faye.

After graduation, Billie attended Texas Tech University where she would meet her future husband. She then attended Methodist School of Nursing in Dallas where she obtained her Registered Nurse degree. She married D.R. Becknal and moved to Lubbock TX. They had three children, Pati Louise, Jackie Kay and Michael Burks

Billy continued her nursing career and obtained her Bachelor of Science degree from West TX University and eventually her master's degree from University of Texas at Austin.

After receiving her master’s degree, she began teaching at Texas Tech University in Lubbock. During that time, she represented the students at the Texas Student Nurses Association. They travelled to Austin frequently to attend conferences. She retired as an associate professor in nursing after receiving tenure. She was the 1st professor to retire from Tech’s nursing program. After retiring she continued to practice nursing at Saint Mary's hospital in their psychiatric unit.

She was a long-time member of St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church and had many friends there. She joined Good Shepard Episcopal Church after moving to Cedar Hill to be closer to her daughter, Jackie.

She is survived by Mike Becknal and wife Jamie of Lubbock, Jackie Blakeley of DeSoto, Erin Ehler and husband Jody of Lubbock, Katie Dannheim and husband Lucas of Lubbock, Blaine Brewer and wife Angela of Ft Worth, Evan Blakeley and wife Marissa of Frisco, Leslie Redden and husband Matt of Midlothian, Bob Becknal of Portland Oregon, Eddie Lee and wife of Llano, Texas, Debbie Burks of Paris, Texas, Linda White and husband Albert of Windom, Greg Long and wife Toni of Grapevine, Peggy Stiggins and husband Mark of Tennessee.

She is predeceased by her parents, Lola Lee Burks and Benjamin Burks, D.R. Becknal, husband, Lori Ann Blakeley, grand-daughter, Pati Logan daughter, Elwood Burks, Evelyn Lee, Faye Long, Betty Lee and Linda Becknal.

Services will be Thursday, August 25th, 2025 at 10 AM at St. Christopher's Episcopal Church.

2807 42nd St. Lubbock, TX 79413

Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Christopher’s Church, Good Shepherd Episcopal church or a charity of your choice.