Billie Jean Sterns Downey, 87, Bridge City

Billie Jean Sterns Downey, 87, of Bridge City, went home to be with her Lord on August 17, 2021, in her home, surrounded by her beloved children.

Born in Sikes, Louisiana, on October 30, 1934, she was the daughter of Quincy and Lessie (Mayes) Sterns. Billie was a long-time resident of Bridge City. Her career included work in the legal field, title/abstract offices in Orange, Great Lakes Carbon in Port Arthur and finally retiring from Bayer Corporation in Orange. Billie was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, and mother. Her talents were many, including sewing from her own patterns, gardening, frying the best fried chicken, playing the accordion and piano, singing, as well as photography. She was an accomplished and skilled genealogist.

Billie came to know Jesus at a very early age. She loved and served Him faithfully during all her days. As a young woman, she traveled with an evangelist across Texas and Oklahoma. Billie played the accordion and sang during services and revivals; sharing her faith and the goodness of God was the very foundation of her life.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Downey, Jr.; parents, Quincy and Lessie Sterns; and brother, Jimmy Ray (Bud) Sterns.

Billie Jean is survived by her children Tina Nezat and husband J. D., Nina Birdwell and husband James, Nanette Graham and husband Greg, and Keith Downey; grandchildren, Britni Nezat Givens, Sarah Nezat Bardsley, Wesley Nezat, C. J. Birdwell Poth, Katie Birdwell, and Chloe Downey; great-grandchildren, Avery Bardsley, Charlie Bardsley, Tenley Givens, Preston Shaw, Martin Nezat, Quinn Poth, and Emory Poth; sisters, Betty Jo Voight and husband Pat, Judy Escagne and husband Allen, Jan Leonard; brother-in-law, Thomas W. Downey; sister-in-law, Marie Kea; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Private family services will be held at Claybar. For those friends and loved ones not attending the funeral services, Billie would be honored by an act of service or kindness done in her memory.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to her home church, Restoration Church, 3212 Concord. Suite E., Orange, TX 77630.