Obituary for Billie G. Bilbrey
Billie Gayle Bilbrey, lovingly known to all simply as Gayle, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2026, surrounded by the love and memories of a life beautifully lived. She was a longtime resident of Amarillo, Texas, and was formerly of Oklahoma and Kansas. Gayle was born and raised in Hollis, Oklahoma, to Estel and Ora Marie "Billie" Penington. She graduated from Ron High School in 1954, a place and community she carried closely in her heart throughout her life. On October 10, 1954, Gayle married the love of her life, Billy Wayne Bilbrey, at Metcalf Baptist Church. Together they shared fifty-six wonderful years of marriage filled with devotion, laughter, faith, and family. Their journey together carried them through Hollis, Oklahoma; Larned and Dodge City, Kansas; and eventually Amarillo, Texas, where they made countless cherished memories together. Gayle worked faithfully for many years as a bank teller before retiring in 1996. Yet her greatest work in life was never found behind a counter, but in the way she cared for others. Throughout her life, Gayle was the caretaker, encourager, and steady source of comfort for anyone fortunate enough to know her. She possessed a servant's heart and found joy in helping others in both big and small ways. Her faith was an important foundation in her life. A devoted Southern Baptist, Gayle volunteered faithfully at the churches wherever she lived, helping with Vacation Bible School, quilting groups, and countless other activities. While living in Dodge City, Kansas, she was actively involved in her church community. After moving to Amarillo in 2017 to be closer to family, she attended Lifeway Fellowship Church and later participated in worship services held at The Continental Assisted Living Center, where she resided. When Gayle moved into The Continental Senior Living in Amarillo in 2017, she quickly became what many lovingly called the "unofficial welcoming committee." She never met a stranger. With her warm smile, kind spirit, and natural ability to connect with others, she could begin a conversation with anyone and leave having made a lifelong friend. She became deeply involved in the many activities there and brought joy and encouragement to residents and staff alike. One of Gayle's greatest passions later in life became drawing. What began as a simple art class soon blossomed into an incredible gift. She spent countless hours creating personalized drawings for family, friends, fellow residents, and anyone whose life she touched. Whether drawing beloved pets, beautiful scenery, or treasured loved ones, her artwork reflected the beauty she saw in the world around her. She was a remarkably talented artist whose drawings became treasured keepsakes for so many. Gayle loved sewing, picture taking, cooking, and creating beauty in every form possible. She was always on the move, always involved, always looking for ways to brighten someone else's day through conversation, prayer, kindness, or art. Her life was a reflection of grace, compassion, and genuine love for others. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Billy Wayne Bilbrey; her parents, Estel and Ora Marie "Billie" Penington; her daughter, Phyllis Jobe; and her twin brother, Harold Penington. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her sons, Kirk Bilbrey and Kris Bilbrey and wife Nikki; her twin brother, Dayle Penington; her grandchildren, Casey, Kevin, Leigh Ann, Kelsey, Buddy, Krista, and Tate; and her great-grandchildren, Trevor, Logan, Wyatt, Weston, Daytin, Zsophia, Zarron, Zeila Victoria, and son in law, Keith Jobe, along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and countless friends whose lives were forever touched by her kindness and love. Gayle's life was a masterpiece of compassion, creativity, and faith. She made the world brighter simply by being in it, and her legacy will continue to live on in every life she touched, every prayer she offered, every conversation she shared, and every beautiful piece of art she lovingly created.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 22, 2026 at Harmon County Funeral Home, Hollis, Oklahoma with interment to Dryden Cemetery, Harmon County, Oklahoma.
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Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 22, 2026 at Harmon County Funeral Home, Hollis, Oklahoma with interment to Dryden Cemetery, Harmon County, Oklahoma.
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Previous Events
Viewing
Friday
22
May
10:00 AM
- 10:30 AM
Harmon County Funeral Home Chapel
417 East Broadway
Hollis, OK 73550
Graveside
Friday
22
May
11:00 AM
Harmon County Funeral Home Chapel
417 East Broadway
Hollis, OK 73550
Cemetery Details
Location
Dryden Cemetery
Harmon County, Oklahoma
Harmon County, OK 73550
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