Billie Ilene (Pierce) DeLong

Born in 1927 in Marion, Kansas, to Cecil August and Lillian Parker Pierce, Ilene shared her birthday with her twin sister, Betty Arlene, who preceded her in death on November 9, 2025. Ilene joked that her sister had to be first at everything.

A graduate of Kansas State University (class of 1949), she met her husband, Gene DeLong, at a college dance. He was the tallest guy on the dance floor. They were married on August 29,1948. He served in the US Navy at the end of World War II, and again in the Korean War. They lived in Wichita, KS until they relocated their family to Midland, TX, in 1964 where he worked as a Geologist with Phillips Petroleum. Primarily a stay-at-home mother, Ilene started Midland Package Delivery Service in 1970 delivering mail, packages, and flowers to area businesses and homes to help with the family finances. They were part of the Lay Witness Movement in the late 1960s, where they made life-long friends and witnessed to many about their faith in Jesus.

Ilene was very active in Midland Community Bible Study at First Baptist Church for many years both as a member and as a teacher to the 3 year old class. She loved to teach young children about the love of Jesus. She was also a member of the congregation at First Presbyterian Church and served as a volunteer in the prayer closet ministry.

Ilene spent the last years of her life at Manor Park and the family will forever be thankful to the staff and nurses for the loving care and support they provided her.

She is predeceased by her parents, Cecil and Lillian, husband Gene, sisters Arlene Smith and Thelma Adams, brother Phil, and sons Timothy and Steve.

She is survived by her daughter-in-law Judy, married to son Steve who passed away in 2008; her daughters Ginger Griffith, husband Jack; Laurie Mussachio, husband Tim; Penny McClendon, husband George; and Wendy Huddleston, husband Grant; 13 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. Ilene faithfully prayed for each member of her large family every day.

A private prayer service to celebrate her life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in her honor may be sent to Midland Community Bible Study at midland.cbsclass.org to cover membership fees and costs associated with this program that was so near and dear to her heart.