Billie Joyce Somerville, age 78, went to her Lord on Nov. 5, 2011.  She was born in Haskell, Texas, on July 14, 1933, to JT and Ruby Naomi Andress.

Billie spent her early childhood years growing up with cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents in Haskell. When she was seven years old, her parents moved to Miami, Ariz., where she attended school and became a loyal “Vandal,” graduating in 1951. Billie often shared her memorable high school experiences and the “Turkey Day” rivalry with her family.

Billie was married to Dave Somerville for 43 years and together they built a home for their family in Globe, where their three children, Steve, Teresa, and Kevin, attended Globe Schools and became “Tigers.” Billie soon became an ardent Tiger fan as she and Dave could be seen attending every baseball game, basketball game, football game, school concert or drama production in which their children were participating.  She was always her children’s best cheerleader. Providing a nurturing and supportive home for her children was important to Billie.  Whether it was helping the boys plan for their next Boy Scout badges or instructing her daughter on the fine points of making brownies for her 4-H project, Billie always encouraged them in achieving their goals and was proud of each and every one of their accomplishments.

Billie looked forward to the annual family camping trip to what the family called “The Rusty Nail” in the White Mountains. Each July, dates which usually included her birthday, the family would set up camp and get ready to play games, eat well, laugh often and enjoy each others company. Billie especially enjoyed Talent Show Night and would often wear some hilarious costume that went with an equally hilarious skit. Billie loved to laugh and joke. She also loved holiday celebrations and holiday feasts, family birthday parties (to be doubly enjoyed if it were a costume type party), or any occasion that brought the family together.

Through the years, Billie worked for various employers including the Gila County Treasurer’s Office, Western Savings and Loan and Bank of America.  During this time, Billie became the first woman member of the Globe Rotary Club. Recently she had been enjoying activities with the Ladies Red Hat Society.

Billie was a faithful and life-long member of the Trinity Baptist Church and also belonged to Women’s Missionary Union in which she had held several offices.  Recent projects dear to Billie’s heart were those that helped support her granddaughter Colette and her husband Barry Schwenk’s Christian Veterinary Mission in Ethiopia. 

Billie “Mimi” will be missed by her children, Steven Somerville (Vicki) of Tucson, Ariz., Teresa Spehar (Jay) of Miami, Ariz., and Kevin Somerville (Dawna) of Mesa, Ariz., and their families including seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She also leaves two brothers, Ron Andress (Ruth) of Chino Valley, Ariz., Gary Andress (LaVerna) of Globe, Ariz., four nieces and nephews, and one great-niece and four great-nephews.

She held each and every one of these family members near and dear to her heart and they in turn hold her in theirs.

Billie was preceded in death by her husband, Dave Somerville in 2005, and her mother, Ruby Naomi Andress in 2010.

Visitation for Billie Joyce Somerville will be Friday, Nov. 11, 2011 at Lamont Mortuary from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. for the family and 6:30 to 7:30 for the public. 

Services will be held on Saturday, Nov. 12 at 1l a.m. at the Trinity Baptist Church 1364 S. Hagen Road with graveside services immediately following at Globe Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Trinity Baptist Church, P.O. Box 2733, Globe, AZ 85502 or Barry and Colette Schwenk Living Hope Account, Christian Veterinary Mission, 19303 Fremont Ave N., Seattle, WA 98133.