Billie Lou Horton-Clements, age 77, of Jacksonville, FL passed away on Sunday, January 28, 2024, at St Francis Regional Medical Center in Shakopee, MN. Her passing is a tremendous loss. She was a phenomenal mother, who was kind, loving and hopeful. She deeply cared for others and their wellbeing. Our “Billie” was strong and determined. She fought her illness with perseverance and strength. Her family wishes for her to have eternal peace and a beautiful afterlife.
A gravesite memorial will be held honoring Billie on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at 11 am, with a time of gathering from 11-12 pm at Jacksonville Memory Gardens Cemetery, at 111 Blanding Blvd, Orange Park, FL 32073. Her children and family will preside. Her urn will be laid to rest at the head of her mother’s and father’s resting plot, on her mothers’ side.
The greatest gift in Billie’s life always centered around family. Billie is survived by two children, Son of 51 years, Christopher Horton and Daughter of 46 years, Debra Wells & Son-in-Law Christopher Wells. She was a “Gramma” and “Nonie” to her 3 Grandchildren, Briley Horton, Collin, and Ronan Wells. Her youngest grandchild Ronan shares a variation of her middle name. She is survived by her Sister of 81 years Patricia Jackson, Brother-in-law of 81 years David Jackson, Children nephew of 56 years Steve Jackson and Wife Cindy and niece of 50 years, Deborah Salvaggio with Husband Scott. Children of Steve are Benjamin & Joshua. Children of Deborah are Ian and Isabella.
Billie was born on Tuesday, March 26, 1946, at 5:05 am at the US Naval Hospital in Annapolis, MD. She was the daughter of an Ace Naval Aviator & Captain, Robert Emmett Clements of Buena Vista, Ga. and her mother Hazel Eleanore Clements of Makaweli, Kauai, Hawaii. She was a dutiful and loving daughter. Her sister, Patricia, was born in 1942. Billie and Patrica were both Daughters of the American Revolution. They shared a bond more beautiful than sisterhood; they were best friends.
When she was younger, she was active in High School and in College. Billie participated in Cheerleading, Student Council, Spanish Club, and was a part of the Girls Athletic Association. She loved to water ski. She earned her Bachelor of Science from the School of Home Economics at Florida State on December 15, 1967. Billie enjoyed working for General Electric. She continued to be an educator of Home Economics, Computer Science, Special Education, and Health for K-12 Schools for years.
Billie was a spirited, classy, and optimistic woman. Her enthusiasm was boundless. She was an amazing cook, baker, and seamstress. She made creations of children’s costumes and clothing throughout her years of life. She was a whiz on the sewing machine and learned how to crochet in her sixties. Billie will be remembered as one of the best dressed people when she went out for her day, always making sure to accentuate herself with a hint of any shade of blue. She held herself to a standard. She loved to shop and was a personal designer. She had amazing taste.
She was an adventurous traveler. She embarked on journeys throughout the US, in addition to Canada, Europe, Asia, and Africa. She resided in many states, such as VA, FL, CA, SC, D.C., IL, MO, TX and MN. She was a wife at one time. Billie made everyone feel welcome. She was always willing to share stories with others, bestow kindness, and hear of the journey they walked in life. On her second to last stay in the MN hospital, she introduced her daughter to all her nurses and doctors, along with their story and where they were from. This was just an example of her excitement to engage with people, share their commonalities and differences and highlight the best qualities in everyone.
Billie loved to play piano and see live music concerts. This included Celine Deion with her sister, George Michael, Sarah McLachlan, Tori Amos, and jam band shows with her daughter. She loved to dance and get down to Motown greats, including Otis Redding and Smokey Robinson. Her favorite song was Bob Segar’s “Old Time Rock and Roll.” That song will always be affiliated with Billie. Her happiness and love for the music was contagious. Family would dance with her during her favorite songs and engage in dance moments that would forever hold a melodic place in the hearts of whom she loved. Her last dance was with her daughter and grandson, Collin in MN.
She was a charitable and loving friend to animals. She cherished every animal she ever had from her earliest pet, a Cocker Spaniel to her latest pet “Baby Girl” who will continue to live for her. She also encouraged her kids to love animals. One trip to Lake of the Ozarks, MO, she welcomed a stray and unwanted animal she encountered on vacation. Her last dog, Baby Girl, came to her home during a violent thunderstorm in Florida.
Billie enjoyed making Christmas cookies every year with her children and now, grandchildren. Every year she would prepare the dough and let the children create a fun atmosphere. In 2024, when she was ill, she still made her dough and baked it with her family. Her recipes and baking will remain a family tradition. She also enjoyed golf, a passion that was passed down from her mom and dad. Annually, she enjoyed watching the Tour De France. She was also a great lover of Football and Baseball. Her son played college football, and so together they both shared a love for discussing and watching College football together, especially the SEC.
A person could tell Billie anything and she would support them without judgment. She would show love and compassion. She was her kid’s touchstone. Billie taught her children to be strong, compassionate, & independent individuals. Those who knew Billie, will keep their memories close to them. The rainbow seems to have one less color without her presence. In her absence, Billie would want everyone to enjoy life, love, dance and laugh often. We hope to see and feel Billie’s soul living on through the love and joy that she poured into others. We miss your smile and voice. We miss watching sunsets with you. We love you Mom, Sister, Gramma, Nonie and daughter! May your presence be carried on through the memories you blessed us with.
