Billye Faye Smith

Billye Faye Smith of Norman, Oklahoma, was called home to be with her Heavenly Father on Tuesday, November 7, 2017.

Billye was born on January 15, 1933, in Durant, Oklahoma. She was the daughter of Willie Rui and Laura Alpha (Wyatt) Moore. Billye grew up in Durant, attending Durant Public Schools and graduating from Durant High School in 1951. She then furthered her education at Southeastern State University, receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Accounting. Billye began teaching at Fort Towson Public Schools, and while teaching there, the younger Smith children set her up with their older brother, R.C. She married R.C. Smith on December 28, 1957. Billye later worked as an accountant for numerous businesses, including a funeral home and a CPA office. She later began her career with Choctaw Electric Company, where she worked until her retirement in 1999. Following her retirement, Billye moved to Norman to be near her daughter and her family.

Billye was an active member of the Immanuel Baptist Church of Norman, and loved singing with her Sanctuary Choir Family.

Billye loved spending time with her grandchildren: Allison, Emily, Joshua, and Jacob. She enjoyed the occasional McDonald’s Apple Pie and Braum’s milkshake and watching John Wayne and Elvis movies. Billye also loved watching the Dallas Cowboys and the OU Sooners play football. Billye had a Christ-like servant's heart that touched everyone who knew her, always putting them and their needs above her own. Ms. Billye was always known for her kindness and her sweet little smile.

Mrs. Billye Smith is survived by: her daughter, Laura Faye and husband Jason Garner of Norman; grandchildren Allison Elizabeth, Emily Anne, Joshua Lee, and Jacob Lee Garner of Norman; brothers-in-law Lonnie Smith and wife Susan of Fort Townson, Oklahoma and Bobby Smith of Ada, Oklahoma; sisters-in-law Midge Smith of Fort Towson, Delores Collins of Fort Towson, Gladys Hester of Dallas, Texas, and Mary Jo Barnett of Forsyth, Missouri; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Billye was preceded in death by her loving husband, R.C. Smith and parents Willie Rui and Laura Alpha Moore.

A memorial has been established in Billye’s memory through a GoFundMe Account to help with expenses.