Billie Elese Morton's Obituary
Morton, Billie Elese Daniel Age 86, a native Dallasite, died of lung cancer on February 3, 2010 (note to smokers: quit). Billie was born on September 25, 1923, in Dallas, Texas, to Alvin Degrosse and Willa Mae (Johnson) Daniel, who precede her in death, as does her granddaughter, Lisa Traci Howard. On February 14, 1941, Billie married her childhood sweetheart, Jack Howard; they had two sons, who survive her: Mickey Howard and his wife, Chato, of Rancho Santa Fe, California; and Tony Howard and his wife, Victoria and their son, Ian, of Lucas, Texas. Jack and Billie traveled extensively in Europe and Japan during the early years of their marriage, living briefly in Georgia, Virginia, Washington D.C., and San Diego as a perk of Jack’s work in military life insurance. They finally settled in their hometown, Dallas, where their sons went to school. They divorced in the 1960s, and Jack and his wife, Chieko, currently live in Rancho Santa Fe. On March 29, 1969, Billie married C. R. (Bob) Morton. Billie and Bob loved entertaining and traveling, their favorite haunts being New Orleans and South Padre Island. They lived for several years in Mabank, Texas, backing up to Cedar Creek Lake, where they enjoyed boating, swimming, and simply relaxing. Bob died in 1983, and Billie moved back to the Dallas area, living close to her long-time neighbor and dearest friend, Tina Staley. In addition to her sons, their families, her “adopted” daughter Sondra Nickelson, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews, Billie is also survived by Bob’s grown children: Bobby Morton (Florida), Debbie Morton and Bruce Morton (Houston area), and Jill Morton (Hawaii). During her long life, Billie worked as a bookkeeper, enjoyed gardening, read any and everything from Ayn Rand to James Michener to Fyodor Dostoyevsky, played golf, worshipped as an Episcopalian, argued passionately, lau-ghed freely, and did not “go gentle into that good night.” A requiem mass will be celebrated at Restland Abbey Chapel at noon on Friday, February 5, followed by a brief graveside service, The Rev. Tony Jack Howard officiating. There will be a visitation for friends from 6-8 pm at Restland. Memorials may be made to St. Clement of Alexandria Liberal Catholic Church, 202 N. Allen Dr., Ste. E114, Allen, TX 75013. For their selfless devotion and care, thanks are due to the staff of Mustang Creek Estates in Allen, Texas, especially Misty, Carolyn, Alex, Candy, Erica, Lisa, Tatiana, Liz, and Shaundell; and to the tireless ministrations of Hospice Compassus, especially nurses Cathy Beaverson, Cynthia Letting, and June Curry. We should all be so lucky to be surrounded by so much love when we die.
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