Billie J. Harding

Billie J. Harding, age 94, stepped across the finish line late Thursday night, June 15, 2023, into the arms of Jesus. She was born January 17, 1929, in the town of Bernice, Louisiana, to Alexander Charles Cavender of Portersville, Indiana. A.C., a geologist, helping to drill the first oil wells in Northern Louisiana. Billie’s mother was Lillian Lucille Hyde, a nurse from nearby Winfield, Louisiana. Billie and her two younger sisters, Bobbie Lou, born in San Diego, California, and Valerie Jane, born in Portersville, Indiana, grew up near Clearwater, Florida. On May 1, 1946, she was married to Charles Raymond Harding, who preceded her in death September 7, 2012. Billie and Charles were married 66 years. They built their house near Glenwood, Arkansas, farmed, and raised cattle. Both worked in the post office and sold insurance. Billie retired as a Postmaster in Okolona, Arkansas in 1989. Later they owned a car dealership in Glenwood. Billie not only sold vehicles but was the marketing manager. She obtained a college degree in her 70s. In 2013, at age 84, Billie moved to a new home at Greenway Village on the campus of Christian Care Center in Mesquite, Texas, serving in many capacities for the Residents Association. Billie was the BEST Mom and Grammy ever. She served as a dedicated Sunday School teacher, a Cub Scout and 4-H leader, an eloquent speaker, an art teacher, a recognized artist, and always had her house ready to entertain. Billie authored six published books, keeping journals of her adventures, and writing poetry from teenage years onward. She was an avid reader and book lover. She was always researching and learning new things. She loved to cook, and her family and friends KNOW that she was the very best cook in Arkansas and Texas. She was a seamstress and quilter. As a flower expert and gardener, she helped found the Glenwood Garden Club. Billie visited 22 countries and all 50 states. She lived in Louisiana, California, Indiana, Florida, Arkansas, and Texas. Billie was deeply religious, and enjoyed being social and entertaining. Her parents and sister, Valerie Jane Harding Morse preceded her in death. Survivors include her sister Bobbie Lou Watt of Napa, California, four children and their spouses, John and Lu Harding of Chesnee, South Carolina, Holly and John Wellman of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, Ken and Glenda Harding of Glenwood, Arkansas, Melanie and Bobby Campbell of Mesquite, Texas; nine loved grandchildren: Jami Harding Jones and Andrew Chase Harding, John Alexander Wellman and Michelle Wellman Aultman, Brandie Kay Benton and Ryan Allen Nutt, Maxwell Flynn Campbell, Robert Cavender Campbell, and Kirby Ryan Campbell; 13 great-grandchildren, and five great-great grandchildren. Celebration Services will be held in Mesquite, TX at 1:30 PM, Tuesday, June 20, 2023, on the Christian Care Center campus at the Memorial Auditorium with Ray Hunter officiating. Glenwood Celebration Services will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, June 24, 2023, in the Glenwood Church of Christ with John Hall officiating. The family will accept visitors on Saturday before the celebration begins. The family will hold a private Glenwood Cemetery service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your church assistance programs, Sloan Kettering Cancer research, the Alzheimer Association, the Autism Society, or the American Heart Association.

Billie J. Harding

January 17, 1929 - June 15, 2023