Obituary of Billie Hill Brenham

A Celebration of Life for a Phenomenal Woman

Billie Hill Brenham

Billie J. Hill Brenham was born December 22, 1942, in Millican, Texas, to the parentage of Alma Julia Hill. Billie was the youngest of two children. Billie acknowledged her Christian faith at an early age and was baptized at New Zion Baptist Church, now Greater New Zion Baptist Church. Billie’s passion for service and her love of Christ was greatly expressed throughout her youth, as she participated in various church groups and organizations.

As a child, Billie regularly participated in Sunday School, the Starlight Band, the Baptist Young People’s Union, and the youth Usher Board. Prior to Billie’s passing, she was the second oldest Junior Usher and was recently recognized at the Usher’s Annual Day on September 22, 2024, for her unwavering commitment to the Usher Board. As an adult, Billie sang in the Inspirational Choir, using her distinctive soprano voice. She continued to work with the youth and served as the Culinary Director, having facilitated and prepared many meals for the Greater New Zion Baptist Church family.

Billie was also the President of the Pastor’s Aide Committee and organized the Parade of Hats events to raise money for Pastor Joe Patterson. Billie attended J. W. Ray and B. F. Darrell Elementary Schools and James Madison High School in Dallas I.S.D. She graduated in 1962 from Hamilton Park High School in Richardson I.S.D. Billie attended Bishop College and received a certificate in Childhood Development, under the tutelage of Dr. Neelam. Billie later attended Contessa Roll Beauty College in Dallas, Texas, and received her Texas Cosmetology license.

Billie was a natural born leader, and her successful community leadership proved as much. Psalm 1:3 reads “And she shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth her fruit in her season; her leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever she doeth shall prosper.” Billie was a Phenomenal Woman. Billie organized many fundraising events to support the youth organizations she led, like the Camp Fire Girl’s in the Highland Hills Community. She was the President of the Wilmer Hutchins Band Booster Club for eight years while her daughters were active participants. Her service with the Booster Club continued two years after her daughters had graduated from high school at the request of the band director, Robert Simpson.

Billie was also one of the original founders of the South Dallas Community Youth Choir, founded in 1987. The choir included fifteen local churches and operated a span of over 20 years. Billie worked many years for the Edwin L. Cox Jr. family, caring for their two children, Dorothy and Brad. As a professional hair stylist, she worked at Paradise Beauty Center for over thirty years before retiring in 2017. Billie enjoyed fishing and mastered her culinary skills creating authentic meals and recipes that she used to write her famous cookbook, Billie Brenham’s Tender Love and Care Cookbook.

Billie met the love of her life, Norah Brenham, and they married on September 5, 1962, having celebrated 62 years.

Billie is preceded in death by her mother, Alma Julia Hill Davis and her youngest daughter, Julia Ann Brenham Hutson (Nathan).

Billie leaves to cherish her memories, her husband Norah Brenham, one son, Eddie Brenham (Marina), one daughter, Subrina Lynn Brenham, one sister, Wilmer Grier Jackson, one grandson, Extol James, two special nephews, James Earl Brenham and Raymond Hawkins, one first cousin, Velma Russell, God Children Lakrecia and Cornelius Greer, Harvey Burney, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors and friends