Billie R. Lockman

Billie Ruth Berkley Gowan Lockman, 85, of Abilene, passed away Thursday, June 9, 2011 at Abilene Regional Medical Center. She was surrounded with peace and love from her family as she went to her home in heaven where the Lord had prepared a place for her.

Billie was born March 14, 1926 in Slaton, TX to Beulah and William Berkley. Billie grew up in Sweetwater, TX graduating from Sweetwater High School in 1943. Marrying Garrett Hubert Gowan in 1944, she spent her early married life following her love, “Bert,” as he was stationed in various locations serving in the Air Force during WWII and the Korean War. They had three children.

After Bert’ s death in 1963, she settled in Abilene working as an LVN at Hendrick Medical Center and Timex. In 1971, Billie was blessed to marry her second love, retired Army Sergeant Frank Lockman. During their marriage, they moved to Tuscola where Frank served as Justice of the Peace. They were married until his passing in 1989. Billie spent the autumn of her life back in Abilene where she volunteered with Hospice of the Big Country and Retired Seniors Volunteer Program.

Throughout Billie’s life, she enjoyed traveling, sewing, poetry, reading, crafts, and singing in her church choir. She was an active part of the church life at Tuscola First Baptist and Broadview Baptist. More than anything, Billie loved being a mother and grandmother. She was a blessing to her family and friends. Always having a smile, Billie’s sweet disposition and sense of humor were an example to many. She leaves a legacy of love for family, friends and her Lord. She will be greatly missed by many, but will always remain in their hearts.

Surviving Billie are her children: Janis and her husband, Byron Vaughan of Abilene; Debra and her husband, Dr. Charlie Pruett of Abilene; Bill and his wife, Stephanie Gowan of Katy, TX; Jennifer (Lockman) and her husband, Russ Howard of Plano,TX. She is also survived by grandchildren: Zack and wife Tami Pruett, daughters Kate and Carly ,of Plano, TX; Lauren (Pruett) and husband Jason Rogers, children Bree, Emie and Cole, of Shreveport, LA; Garrett and wife Erin Gowan, expected son Caden, of Katy, TX; Lindsey Pruett of Abilene; Olivia and Georgia Howard of Plano,TX.. Billie is survived by sister Wanda and her husband Harold Barnes of Arlington, TX. Preceding Billie in death are her parents; husbands Garrett Gowan and Frank Lockman; sisters Daphne Hunt and Frances Fox.

Services honoring Billie will be held at 11am Saturday, June 25th at Piersall Benton Chapel with Pastor Alan Jones of Broadview Baptist officiating. Burial services immediately following at Elmwood Memorial Park. A visitation will be held Friday evening from 5-7 pm at the funeral home. Memorials may be sent to the Abilene Alzheimer’s Association, Broadview Baptist Church or the charity of your choice.