Billie Jewel Coon

A Graveside service, celebrating the life of Billie Coon, will be held Wednesday, March 31st at 10 am at Carlsbad Cemetery. There will be a visitation Tuesday, March 30th where family will greet friends from 6-8 pm at Denton-Wood Funeral Home. Billie Coon, 66, formerly of Carlsbad, NM, was born August 6, 1943 in Burkburnett, TX and passed away in the evening hours of Wednesday, March 24th, 2010 following a courageous struggle with cancer. Billie was preceded in death by her Parents, Father H.K. Aldridge and Mother Florence (Bethel) Aldridge, Grandparents W.L. Davis and Johnnie "Perkie" (Harrelson) Davis, J.W. Aldridge and Grace Christiana (Alexander) Aldridge, Son, Gene Wilcoxson, and Grandson, Tracy Ryan Downey. Survivors include: Debbie (Garner) Webb and husband Ron Webb of Leander, TX, Sonny Downey and wife Kena of Carlsbad, NM, Curtis Downey of Austin, TX, Tonya (Wilcoxson) Sponsler and husband Donald Sponsler of Uvalde, TX, Grandchildren: Amber (Smith) Ruiz and Eli Ruiz of Leander, TX, Mark Smith of Leander, TX, Brandon and Dustin Downey of Houston, TX, Welsey, Lauren and Ashley Sponsler of Uvalde, TX, Jeanette, (Crenshaw) of Hobbs, NM, Alesha Thomason of Carlsbad, NM Jordan Miterko of Carlsbad, NM, John Brazeal of Carlsbad, NM, Brittany Rodawalt of Carlsbad, NM and 10 Great Grandchildren. She spent most of her childhood in Hobbs, NM, and Wellington, Texas. She and her family moved to Carlsbad in 1953. In her early years she began work with her Grandfather at the Davis Bakery. Other fields include Waitress/Bartending, Dental asst., and Welders Helper as a member of the Pipeline Local 798. Later she graduated from NMSU Carlsbad, in 1991 with a Nursing degree, and became a Registered Nurse. She was employed at Cedar Park Regional Medical Center up until May of 2007 at which time she retired. Upon her retirement, she had completed 18 years as a Registered Nurse. She enjoyed observing the interaction of the many visitors and staff in the Medical Field. She demonstrated and modeled strong work ethics of commitment, loyalty, and devotion. Billie's perseverance and faith helped her survive the many challenges throughout her life. A happy carefree disposition and with an ever ready smile, Billie numbered her friends in this small city and in any place she called home by each person with whom she was associated. In this way she touched multiple generations of family, friends, and the Medical Field. Billie was a beautiful woman both in appearance and in spirit. She loved her God, family, and music. She will be missed by all who had the opportunity to know her. Billie was involved in many civic organizations and was known in many circles. Billie loved her family. She was a mother to many and a stranger to none. Billie opened her home and her heart to many people through the years. Her wit and humor were second to none, as was her zest for life. Billie was beloved for her support and encouragement of family and friends. She was skilled in Genealogy, Handcrafts, Seamstress and Avid Gardener. She was also known for her talents with Woodworking, Leathering, Oils and Pastels Paints and computers. She also enjoyed camping, deer hunting, games of chance, dancing, and horseracing. She also took delight in the companionship of her pet dog Scooter and Koi Pond. Above all else, she was devoted to her family. She loved the simple pleasures of friends and family get-togethers. She was a beloved Mother, and family matriarch. Pallbearers' include: Griff Griffen, KC Garner, Eli Ruiz, Art Lopez, Ivan Scholl, and Tommy Gere. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to The America Lung Association, The American Cancer Society, or any Charity/Organization of their choice. Condolences may be expressed at Denton-Wood.com