Billie Louise (Bland) Boatright

Billie Louise (Bland) James Boatright, age 90, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, January 22, 2021 in Merkel, TX. She was born to Oscar Bland and Mable (Storey) Bland on July 19, 1930 in Stanton, TX. Billie was a devout Christian and member of the First Baptist Church in Merkel. You would often see her in her regular spot on the 2nd row from the front.

Billie was an amazing mother, sister, great-grandmother and sister in Christ. She had a passion for square dancing and loved working in her garden. She especially liked roses, tomato plants and Christmas cactus. Billie was happiest in the kitchen cooking for her family and loved spending time with her grandbabies. She will be missed by many.

Those left to cherish her memory are her son: Dennis James and wife Kathy of Brownwood, TX; son: Dana James and wife Kathryn of Merkel; daughter: Deborah Knight of Merkel; sister: Claudine Gray of Abilene; brother: O.D. Bland Jr. of Santa Fe, TX; 7 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and numerous, nieces and nephews.

She was reunited in Heaven with her parents; husband: Robert R. James; husband: Mike Boatright and sister: Ruby Doan.

A public viewing will take place from 10 am to 4 pm on Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at Starbuck Funeral Home in Merkel. Graveside services will be held at 2 pm on Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at Rose Hill Cemetery in Merkel. Arrangements are entrusted to Starbuck Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the West Texas Rehab or the Rose Hill Cemetery in Merkel.

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