Billie Jean Edwards

Billie Jean Dobson Edwards passed away on March 25, 2025, at the age of 94.  She was born on December 6, 1930, in Texarkana, Texas to W.A. and Jessie Wellborn Dobson.  The Dobsons settled in Clarksville when Billie and her sisters were very young.  The family was extremely active in the Clarksville community and all were life-long members of the First Presbyterian Church.

Billie and her sisters all graduated from Clarksville High School, after which she and her twin sister, Bettie, attended Austin College in Sherman.  While in High School, Billie met her future husband, the love of her life, Dr. Rex L. Edwards.  When Rex returned from his service in the Army, he and Billie married on June 26, 1949.  Rex then entered medical school where Billie supported him in his studies, relocating to Austin, Galveston, San Antonio, and eventually returning to their beloved Clarksville.  After their return, Billie helped Rex build and maintain a successful medical practice for thirty-two years.

During their nearly sixty-three-year marriage, Billie and Rex shared an extraordinary and adventurous life.  Anywhere they went, Billie never met a stranger.  They welcomed two wonderful children, hosted many legendary get-togethers at North Lake with their treasured friends, traveled as much as possible, and welcomed and showered each of their five grandchildren with their love, time, and affection.  After retirement, Rex and Billie took up snow skiing and spent many happy winters at their home in Durango, Colorado surrounded by their family and numerous friends.

Billie is preceded in death by her husband Rex L. Edwards Sr., her parents, son Rex Lee (Pete) Edwards Jr., sister Anne and brother-in-law Elmer “Dunc” Duncan, sister Jessie and brother-in-law Bill Thacker, her sister and partner in crime Bettie and brother-in-law Robert, and son-in-law Dr. Robert (Randy) Millikan.

Billie is survived by her daughter, Bettie Millikan of Austin and her grandchildren: Janice Millikan and her husband Jeff of Tyler, Laura Millikan of Dallas, Rex Lee Edwards III and his husband Corey of New York, Emilie Clement and her husband Ray of Austin, and James Millikan of Austin.  Billie is also survived by her two great-grandsons, Luke and Mark Clement of Austin, who were her pride and joy, daughter-in-law Kitty Edwards Coursey, and several cherished nieces and nephews.

The family greatly appreciates Autumn and Sarah with Embark Care, Country Home Care, and Chambers Hospice for their dedicated assistance in caring for Billie in her later years.

Funeral Services will be 11:00 AM, Thursday, March 27, 2025, at the First Presbyterian Church in Clarksville. A private graveside will follow in English Cemetery under the direction of Clarksville Funeral Home.

The family will receive friends 30 minutes prior to services at the church.

Memorials may be made to the Red River County Public Library, 307 N. Walnut, Clarksville, Texas 75426 or the First Presbyterian Church, P. O. Box 732, Clarksville, Texas 75426.

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