Billie Marie (Jennings) Merryman

Billie Marie Merryman, age 93, of Abilene, died Friday, January 13, 2023, at Hendrick Hospice Care in Abilene.

The family will host a time of visitation and fellowship from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday, January 16, 2023, at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel.  Family and friends are invited to a funeral service celebrating her life at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel.  Interment will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery.  Services are entrusted to Stevens Funeral Home, 400 W. Pecan Street, in Coleman.

She was born Billie Marie Jennings on March 9, 1929, in Burkett to Don Lewis Jennings and Ethel Keeney Jennings.  Billie grew up in Coleman where she attended school. She worked at Stemple Manufacturing for many years, then worked at Owl Drug Store.  Billie had the kindest and most loving spirit, leading her to become a caregiver for the elderly and sick.  She enjoyed taking care of people and loved this job.

Billie Marie was a strong person in life and spirit.  Her faith in God gave her comfort and joy through all the ups and downs that life brought her.  She always had a positive attitude and a big smile that would brighten your day.  Billie Marie had a natural talent for yardwork and gardening.  She could grow just about anything in her flowerbeds.  Billie Marie was a fabulous baker and cook, leaving lasting impressions on her grandchildren of tasty cookies and banana nut bread.  You could also find Billie Marie going to a few garage sales to find a bargain or two.  Most of all she loved her family.  Billie Marie was proud of each and everyone of them and supported their dreams and endeavors.  Her kindness and wisdom will be missed by all.

Preceding Billie Marie in death are her parents, Don and Ethel Jennings; two sons, Eddie Drew Merryman and Johnny Don Merryman; and her siblings, Cleta Bloomberg, Vivian Freeman, Lee Roy Jennings, Bobbie Smith, and Ruby Nell Jackson.

She is survived by two daughters, Nancy Cleo Taylor and husband Andy of Abilene and Peggy Diane Davis of Abilene; nine grandchildren, Jeff Merryman and wife Julie, Eddie Merryman and wife Angela, Michael Merryman and wife Adrianna, Melanie Merryman and husband Florean, Scott Ebeling, Nicole Bumbard and partner Chris, Ranee Taylor and husband Michael, Shay Mickler and husband Josh, and Kellie Beruman and husband Ed; 22 great-grandchildren; and 12 great-great-grandchildren; two daughters in law, Jutta Merryman and Deedie Reagor.

Pallbearers will be Dawson Merryman, Payden Merryman, Scott Ebeling, Thad Ebeling, Eric Ebeling, and Ed Beruman.

Memorials are suggested in memory of Billie Marie to Hendrick Hospice Care, 1651 Pine Street, Abilene, Texas 79601.

Remembrances and condolences can be written to the family via the virtual guestbook on Billie Marie’s tribute page at www.stevensfuneralhome.com.  Stevens Funeral Home is honored to serve the Merryman family.