Billie Bernice (Colvin) Gilkerson

Billie Bernice (Colvin) Gilkerson, age 90, of Knoxville, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at the Knoxville Hospital.
A visitation for Billie will be held on Friday, March 17, 2023, from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the Winfield Funeral Home in Knoxville, with her family present to greet friends and relatives. A funeral service will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Knoxville on Saturday, March 18, 2023, at 10:00 A.M. Burial will follow at Graceland Cemetery in Knoxville. Following services, a luncheon will be held at the church.
Billie Bernice was born on September 17, 1932, in Oakland, Iowa, the daughter of Eldon Glee and Inez Leona (Dobbs) Colvin. Billie graduated from Carson High School in 1950. She received her teaching certificate from Tarkio College and her bachelor’s degree from Graceland University, with advanced work at Drake.
On May 31, 1953, Billie and Donald Gilkerson were married at the Methodist Church in Carson, Iowa. To this union, three children were born, Edward Donald, Marcea Jane, and Steven Craig. During their 48 years of marriage, Billie taught school for 23 years, including, Carson, Macedonia, Cooper, Guthrie Center, and Pleasantville.
Billie, Don, and family spent their vacations in Canada on Eagle Lake for 36 years. After retirement, they spent their winters in Mesa, Arizona. Billie loved being with her family and friends, traveling and reading. She also enjoyed having family dinners at her home, which usually amounted to 30 or more.
Billie was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Knoxville, UMW, Pleasantville retired teachers, Red Hat Society, and a weekly card club.
Billie is preceded in death by her husband, Donald Ivas Gilkerson; parents, Eldon and Inez Colvin; her brother, Leo Colvin, and in-laws, Charles and Mary Gilkerson. She is also preceded by her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Mary Jean and Joe Jessen, Doris and Dick Sutton, and Dorothy and Charles Jessen.
Billie is survived by her children, Edward (Marlene) Gilkerson, Marcea (Rob) Reuther, and Steven (Lisa) Gilkerson; sister-in-law, Sandra Colvin; 9 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and 3 great great-grandchildren; as well as nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
Memorials may be given in Billie’s memory to the First United Methodist Church.
Winfield Funeral Home of Knoxville is assisting Billie’s family with services.