Billie Pauline LaBorde

Published 3:42 pm Friday, October 5, 2018

Billie Pauline LaBorde, age 92, of Little Rock, Arkansas, went on to join her traveling companion, Huron LaBorde on their next great adventure on Thursday, October 4, 2018. She was born on August 18, 1926 in Sour Lake, Texas, the daughter of Leroy Johnston and Mary Irene Sydnes Johnston. She is preceded in death by both parents; her husband of 74 years, Huron Joseph LaBorde; sister, Betty Gail Wilkinson; brother, James Olaf Johnston and wife Jeannie; brother, Thomas Warren Johnston; an adopted sister, Imogene Gibbs and husband Verne; and two daughters, Mary Hannah LaBorde and Donna Marie Schaub.

Billie was a veritable renaissance woman, always learning and perfecting her craft. If her life were a canvas, it would be painted in detail brushstrokes and saturated in vibrant color. She was a talented artist, gifted at bringing to life all things beautiful with her oil paints. She was also known for her intricate beadwork and sewing ability. Unselfish with her gift, she was devoted to educating and passing along all she had gleaned from a life well-lived to her loved ones. In later years, Billie became especially interested in her roots, spending hours combing through records, tracing her genealogy, and cultivating in her a family an appreciation for the stock from which they came. Her greatest masterpiece, undoubtedly her most prized creation, was found in her adoring family.

Left to carry on her legacy of laughter and love is her son and daughter-in-law, Roger LaBorde and wife Pam; daughter and son-in-law, Debra Waltermire and husband Gaylord; eight grandchildren, six great grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, and anyone fortunate enough to love and be loved by her.

Her celebration of life will be held with a visitation at 1:00pm, Monday, October 8, 2018 at Grammier-Oberle Funeral Home, Port Arthur, Texas, with entombment following at 2:00pm, at Greenlawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers and other customary condolences, memorials may be made to Native American Rights Fund at NARF.ORG or the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123, or at donate3.cancer.org.

Please share your messages of love, comfort and support with the family at www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.