Billie Jean LeBourgeois

An angel has entered heaven as Billie Jean Graham LeBourgeois, age 87, spread her wings and soared into eternal life on May 10, 2017. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 PM on Monday, May 15, 2017 in Delhomme Chapel of the Flowers. The family requests that visiting hours be observed on Monday from 9:00 AM until time of service. Burial will follow at Lafayette Memorial Park Cemetery. Reverend Joel Faulk will conduct the Mass. Billie Jean’s passing was peaceful and calm with her loved ones holding her hand. Billie Jean was born in Roxie, MS on January 19, 1930. She was one of eight children born to Carrie Collier and Ned Bufkin Graham, both of whom predeceased her. One sister, Joyce Kellogg, married to Tom Kellogg, is surviving and resides in Starkville, MS. Her other siblings namely, Neddie Trest, Pauline Wells, Claude Graham, Roy Graham, Fay Solomon and Nell Standefer, preceded her in death. Billie Jean was married to Dr. Paul Arthur LeBourgeois, Jr. They had two daughters, Cynthia Carrie LeBourgeois married to Rodney Patrick Girouard, and Dawn Stella LeBourgeois born in the early 1960’s. In addition to Cynthia and Dawn, Billie Jean is survived by two step-sons, Dr. Paul Arthur LeBourgeois, III and Lance David LeBourgeois. Billie Jean also leaves behind a 21 years old Maltese dog named “Be-Be”, her constant companion. Dr. LeBourgeois passed away in 1976 when the girls were pre-teens. Billie Jean accepted her destiny as a single mother with dignity and strength. She continued her career as an independent realtor and ran a successful business investing in and developing properties. She was an early member of The Lafayette Board of Realtors. After Cynthia became an attorney at law in 1986, Billie Jean, Cynthia and Dawn worked closely together for almost thirty years. Billie Jean was a constant source of comfort, information, compassion and guidance to all people she encountered. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Billie Jean’s talents were multi-faceted. She played piano and was a wonderful artist and painter. Her hobbies included collecting butterflies and antiques. Her public service included substitute teaching at Cathedral-Carmel, being active in local Mardi Gras, and volunteering for the Acadiana Women’s Symphony League. She was well known for her affection of animals. Her beautiful home on the Vermilion River is recognized as a sanctuary for exotic animals, including free roaming peacocks. She once had a Sun Conure Parrot named Sunshine, who greeted her daily with “Hello Baby!” From beauty queen in her youth to world traveler, having once lived in South America flying planes and exploring jungle rivers, our mother fully embraced life. Billie Jean touched the heart of all who felt her glowing and generous spirit. Always positive and gracious, she shared her enthusiasm and warmth with the world around her. Mom planted seeds of kindness and cultivated joy and hope along her path. The earthly journey must end, yet Billie Jean will perpetually be loved, missed and honored as we hold dear her belief that we share one heart joined in eternal love. We remember her often saying, “It is a shame one has to die, when you love living so much.” She appreciated every moment on earth and considered each day a true blessing from above. The family expresses deep gratitude to Dr. Jon Leleux and the caring staff at the Heart Hospital of Lafayette, as well as his compassionate employees at Cardiology Specialists of Acadiana. Honorary Pallbearers include Rodney Patrick Girouard, Dr. Paul Arthur LeBourgeois, III, Lance David LeBourgeois, Thomas F. Porter, Bill Wells, Warren Trest, Richard McGee, Thomas Shelton and Kevin Schamberger. Personal condolences may be sent to the LeBourgeois family at www.delhommefuneralhome.com. Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette, LA is in charge of funeral arrangements. Rest in Peace, our angelic Mother. You are with us forever.

Billie Jean LeBourgeois

January 19, 1930 - May 10, 2017