Billie George Daniel was born January 3, 1930, in Throckmorton County, Texas. Named Billie George by her Aunt Jim, she was the second of two children born to Nora Mae and George Beacher Stroud. Billie had fond memories of growing up in Texas with her big sister, Mable Stroud Chambers.
Billie was an avid and lifelong learner. She graduated high school at age 16 and within three years completed a college degree with a teaching credential. Billie's 40 year teaching career began in 1950 on the day she strode into a Texas high school classroom on one day's notice. She was 20 years old and newly married to her college sweetheart, Jim Daniel. She taught in Texas for four years, during which time she gave birth to her daughter Jamie Daniel (1952).
Eager to see more of the world, Billie and Jim's search for teaching positions focused on posts in Venezuela or Southern California. Fortunately for all of us, Jim and Billie chose to live in Redlands. Their son, Bart, joined the family in 1957. Billie taught speech and drama at Redlands Jr. High. She taught drama and stagecraft at Redlands Senior High School from 1960 to 1980. In 1980 she folded up her director's chair and took on a new role as Career Counselor at the high school until she retired in 1990.
Even in retirement Billie was active in the community. She served on the boards of the Montessori School and the Vista Guidance Center. Many will remember her involvement in Footlighters and the Redlands Bowl in both acting and directing. Billie and Jim were Board Members of the of the Church of Religious Science in Redlands.
Recognition awards from the community included:
Outstanding Teacher from the Rotary Club in 1969
CRY-ROP Commitment to Vocational Education
Lyon's Club Citizen of the Year in 1981
Volunteer Award from the United Way in 1997
Senior of Distinction from Plymouth Village in 2004
Town & Gown Women of Distinction
Billie was a gourmet cook and marvelous hostess. Always the life of the party, she was a great dancer and a brilliant conversationalist. The house on Poppy Road was always open to family, friends and the community.
In 2007 Billie moved to Somerford Place, where the staff loved her like she was their own mother.
Billie is survived by her daughter Jamie (Gary Watson), her son Bart (Terri); three grandchildren, Nathan Swift (Katy), Micah Swift, and Timothy Swift; her sister Mable Chambers of Glen Rose, Texas; and her ex-son-in-law Malcolm Swift of Corona.