The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

Willie “Billie” Franklin Vincent, 86, of Orange, died Wednesday, Aug. 29, in Beaumont. Funeral services will be 3:00 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 1, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. Officiating will be Dr. Dwane Kelley of First Baptist Church in Sour Lake and the Rev. David Turner of Little Cypress Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens near Bridge City.

Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 p.m., Friday at the funeral home.

Born in Kelley, La, on Aug. 21, 1926, Billie was the daughter of J. Edgar Franklin and Ethel (Valentine) Franklin. She worked as a receptionist at Dr. Rice’s office, and she was Orange Police Department’s first Meter Maid. She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary and the Old Timers Pipefitters.

She was preceded in death by her husband, R.A. Vincent; brothers, R.T. Franklin and H.C. Franklin; and sister, Ava Carraway.

Billie is survived by her daughters, Martha Vincent Gault and husband Joe of Sour Lake, Teresa Wilhite and husband Buddy of Orange; grandchildren, Chade Henry, Shawn Henry, and Heather Wilhite Green; and great-grandchildren, Julianne Henry, Skylar Henry, Chloe Henry, Sophie Henry, Kaitlynne West, and Callissa West.

She is also survived by her brothers, M.E. Franklin and Sherrill M. Franklin; sister-in-law, Mae Franklin; numerous nieces and nephews; and adopted daughter, Shari Barnwell.

Serving as Pallbearers will be Chade Henry, Shawn Henry, Cody Green, Kenneth Franklin, James Barnwell, and Eddie Shaw. Honorary Pallbearers will be Buddy Wilhite, Joe Gault, Melvin Franklin, and Sherrill Franklin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.