Billie Appie Helbert Huckabee
Billie Appie Helbert Huckabee, 81, of Midland, Texas, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 29, 2022, after a six-year battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. She was born on February 18, 1941 to Harold and Nola Helbert in Midland, Texas. Billie graduated from Midland High School in 1959. Upon graduation, she attended Texas Tech University but then had to move back home to help with an illness of a family member.
She met the love of her life, Jim Huckabee, in 1958, and they were married on June 28, 1960. Their only child, Cathy Huckabee Kamradt, was born in July 1961. As a young mom, Billie was a piano teacher, chairman of the March of Dimes, and a Girl Scout leader for many years in Andrews, Texas. She was able to complete her education in 1970 by attending Odessa College for two years and then the University of Texas – Permian Basin for two years and was a member of the first graduating class of UTPB in 1975 where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. Billie taught language and learningdisabled children in the Resource Room at San Andres and Clearfork Elementary Schools in Andrews, Texas. She was honored by being named Teacher of the Year at Clearfork Elementary for the 1995 – 96 school year. She helped many children to become better students and encouraged them to be their best. To this day, many of her former students express their appreciation for all that Billie taught them and the impact that she had on their lives. In 2002, she retired from teaching after 27 years.
Billie loved going to aerobics classes and playing Bunko in her spare time. She also loved attending Andrews Presbyterian Church and was an active member there for many years. She and Jim were long time members of several classic car clubs, including West Texas Street Rodders, The Oil Burners, and Thunder Wheels. They traveled to many different locations over the years and they made many good friends.
In 1992, she became a Nana for the first time and again in 1995. Her two granddaughters, Maggie and Libby, were very important to her. She loved to spend time with them and together they created many fond memories. In 2008, they moved to Midland, Texas to be close to family. Once there, she was able to be more involved in her granddaughters’ lives. While in Midland, they were active members of Church on the Journey for many years.
Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 62 years, Jim Huckabee; her daughter and son-in-law, Cathy and Curt Kamradt; her granddaughter, Libby Kamradt of Fort Worth, Texas; granddaughter and grandson-inlaw, Maggie and Paul Hickey and greatgranddaughter, Merritt Faye Hickey, also of Fort Worth, Texas; her brother and sister-in-law, Eddie and Vanessa Helbert of Kingsland, Texas; her brother-in-law and his wife, Tommie and Sylvia Huckabee of Stephenville, Texas; sister-in-law, Janet Parker Helbert of Colorado; dear friend, Robert Sims of Midland, Texas; several nieces and nephews and friends that were family. She is preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Nola Helbert; and her brother, Larry Helbert.
The family would like to express their gratitude to caregiver, Deborah Vega; Hospice of Midland, especially nurses Andrea and Claire, and aide Cecelia; and, caregivers Megan and Brandi.
A celebration of Billie’s life will be held on Friday, December 9, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home Chapel in Midland, Texas, with internment following at Resthaven Cemetery.
Memorial donations can be made to Hospice of Midland or the charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.
