Billie Garner

SIKESTON - Billie Garner, 88, died at 10:50 p.m. Sept. 25, 2002, at her home.

Born Oct. 28, 1913, in Huffman, Ark., daughter of the late William Blan and Anice Elizabeth Shorte Loflin, she was a farmer. A founding mother of the Sikeston Little League Association, she served as secretary and treasurer of Little League, Babe Ruth League and the Connie Mac Baseball League. Garner also served many years as secretary of the Women's Bowling Association. She was a member of the First General Baptist Church of Morehouse, where she was secretary of the Wings' Organization, member of the Missionary Society and Bible Class and was involved with various church youth programs.

On Oct. 28, 1934, in Huffman, Ark., she married Dyer D. Garner who preceded her in death on Jan. 24, 1984.

Survivors include: four sons, Dyer D. "Sonny" Garner Jr., David Garner and Tim Garner of Sikeston and Mike Garner of Austin, Texas; two daughters, Glenda Becker of Dexter and Pat Hesselrode of Murray, Ky.; and 21 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.

Also preceding her in death were one son, Bill Garner on Feb. 27, 1993; and two brothers and two sisters.

Visitation is from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel, where services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday. The Rev. Randy Thomas, pastor of the First General Baptist Church in Morehouse, will officiate.

Burial will follow in Garden of Memories Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: Loyde Adams, Mark Hensley, Harold Head, John Launius, Pete Leija and Otis Younger.