02/19/2026
Billie Jean Grisham, 97, of Rucker, Texas, passed away on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, following a brief illness. Throughout her final days, and to the moment of her passing, she was surrounded by loved ones and attentive caregivers.
Billie Jean was born November 6, 1928, as the oldest child of T. D. “Bill” and Hope (Dukes) Joiner. She graduated from Gorman High School in 1946 where she was a star student and athlete. A valued classmate, she was named “Most Popular Girl” in her senior year. After high school, she spent one year studying at John Tarleton Agricultural College.
On July 27, 1947, she married John Ed Grisham (1929-1996). They raised a family and built a life together in the Rucker community. John Ed farmed and ranched, and Billie Jean worked in Gorman and De Leon, most notably as a longtime teller at Farmers and Merchants Bank in De Leon. Together, they enjoyed traveling, hosting family events, and pouring into the lives of their grandchildren.
Billie Jean was a gifted cook and hostess whose holiday meals were without equal, and her green thumb was legendary, as her yard was always pristine. She was also a skilled seamstress, making clothing for children and dolls alike, and sewing baby blankets for generations of great-great grandchildren long before they were even born. A longtime member of First Baptist Church, De Leon, Billie Jean taught children’s Sunday School for many years and was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ.
Her greatest earthly treasure, however, was her family. She could always be counted on in every role she held – daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and even great-great grandmother. To the very end, her greatest joy was found in celebrating their lives and accomplishments. Grandma spent countless hours watching basketball, volleyball, baseball, football, school plays, cheerleading, and much more.
Billie Jean is survived by her three children: Beverly Riggle and husband Terry Riggle of Houston, Wayne Grisham of Dallas, and Kathy Miller and husband James Miller of De Leon. Billie Jean and John Ed were deeply devoted to their two grandchildren: Mike Skaggs and wife Libby of Hico and Shana Mahan and husband Craig of De Leon. She took great delight in each of her six great-grandchildren: Carter Skaggs, Alyssa Popkess, Abby Cantrell, Dillon Skaggs, Taylor Amick, and Hudson Skaggs. At the end of her long, fruitful life, she found so much joy in knowing her great-great grandson, C**ton Popkess.
She had seven brothers and sisters and is survived by sister Joyce Bramlett and husband Ernie as well as by brothers Don Joiner and wife Nita, David Joiner and wife Sandra, and Howard Joiner and wife Barbara. She was preceded in death by her sister Lucy Joiner and brothers Chester Joiner and Ennis Joiner.
A graveside funeral service celebrating Billie’s life will be held Friday, February 20, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in De Leon Cemetery with Dr. Daniel Harper officiating. Visitation will be held at Nowlin Anders Funeral Home in De Leon prior to the graveside from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Serving as pallbearers are Carter Skaggs, Dillon Skaggs, Clay Popkess, Emery Amick, Hudson Skaggs, and Tyson Cantrell.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in honor of Billie Jean Grisham to the children’s ministry of First Baptist Church, De Leon, Texas.
Her life was a quiet testimony to faithfulness. She was deeply loved and is greatly missed.
Condolences may be offered online at www.nowlinandersfh.com.