Billie Lacefield

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Billie Jewel Lacefield, born to the late Maxwell and Ernestine Ibach, who received her wings on June 26th, 2025, at the age of 74, surrounded by her husband and children. 

Born in Rio Grande City, Texas, Billie Lacefield entered the world embraced by the love of her parents, grandparents, and a lively family of seven aunts and uncles. Her childhood was rich with adventure, often spent exploring the world around her with her aunts and cousins. Their imaginations knew no limits, and Billie forged deep bonds that would remain throughout her life.

Billie shared a special connection with her parents, Maxwell and Ernestine, and brother, James. Together, they enjoyed fly fishing, camping, and especially hunting—always with a loyal bird dog at their side. Her father, a proud member of the U.S. Air Force, introduced her to travel at an early age. While stationed in Japan, Billie not only embraced a new culture but also took up Judo, showcasing her spirited and adventurous nature.

After graduating from high school, Billie pursued a degree in nursing at the University of Arizona. She worked at the hospital for clinical rotations, where her compassion for caregiving blossomed. Though her career path took a few turns, including a stint in accounting, her true calling emerged in caring for children. In 1990, she followed her heart and established her own daycare business, devoting 35 years to nurturing young lives before retiring on May 30, 2025.

Fate played its hand one evening at the NCO Club on Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona, where Billie met the love of her life, Tim Lacefield, who was there for a wedding. As she stood by with friends, a charming face peeked between the railing bars and asked, “Excuse me, miss, do you know how to Cha-Cha?” Billie lit up, took his hand, and the two danced their way into a lifelong love story. The two went on endless dates that included hiking mountain tops, camping, and trips across the Mexican border, knowing all along they were destined to be together. They were married on May 24, 1974.

Their early years together took them across the globe, including a posting in England. Despite modest beginnings—Tim worked at the Commissary while on active duty— Billie’s determined spirit shone through. Wanting to ease the financial strain, she surprised Tim by taking a job as a cashier at the BX. Her cleverness and humor won him over instantly. Their shared laughter became the foundation of a joyful marriage. 

Together, Billie and Tim traveled throughout England, Scotland, and France, deepening their bond and making memories. Billie had a natural gift with numbers and a keen financial sense—traits she attributed to her beloved grandfather. She fondly shared memories of him and the family games he invented, and they played, especially WAHOO, which became generational and blended competition with love and laughter.

 Though the path to parenthood was not easy, Billie and Tim held steadfast in faith and prayer. Their perseverance was rewarded. In 1978, shortly after moving to Andrews Air Force Base, Billie discovered she was pregnant—the beginning of their growing family, which would ultimately include seven cherished children and ten beloved grandchildren.

 Billie was known for her unwavering kindness and strength. Whether you were one of her own children, a foster child, a daycare child, or a neighborhood friend, you were welcomed into her home and her heart. She lived by her Christian faith and expected her home to reflect those values—respect, warmth, and love were non-negotiable. Manners were taught and gently enforced; "yea" and "huh" had no place in her presence.

A sense of humor was woven into the fabric of Billie’s life. Her laughter, often sparked by Tim’s antics, helped carry their family through both joyful and challenging times. One of her favorite family games was the ongoing, playful debate over who was the “favorite child.” She would smile sweetly at the question but never answer, her silence a testament to the equal and boundless love she gave each one.

In her final days, Billie remained surrounded by what mattered most—faith, family, and love. With her husband and children at her side, she offered one last, gentle gift: a soft “I love you.” Even in parting, her heart spoke clearly.

 Billie Lacefield leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, resilience, and grace. She touched countless lives and will be remembered always by the family she created, the children she nurtured, and the many hearts she warmed. "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart." - Helen Keller

Billie is survived by Tim, her loving husband of 51 years, her children - Juanita, Anthony (Lea), Jerome, Angelina, Miranda, Delana, and Denzel and grandchildren - Kaysha, Carter, Luke, Chelli, Morgan, Charli, Amina, Tristan, Kendrick, and Marcus Jr., as well as nieces - Shenya and Erin, and nephews - James Jr., and Antwon. 

She was preceded in death by daughter Quintina, father Maxwell, mother Ernestine, nephews Toby and Edaghogho.