Billye Epperson Heath

Billye Louise Epperson Heath, born July 17, 1924 in Cato, Oklahoma, went home to be with the Lord on January 15, 2014. Billye graduated from Durant High School in 1942 and moved to California. She married Harold in 1950. They lived in Oakland, Fremont, and South Weymouth, MA, before moving to Aptos in 1965, and then into Watsonville in 1969. She owned and operated a Christian bookstore in Freedom, CA as well as her own bookkeeping service, and worked as a bookkeeper at various small businesses in Watsonville.

Billye was an active member of First Baptist Church of Watsonville for many years, and most recently was a member of New Life Community Church of Prunedale. Her great passion was teaching others, especially children, about Jesus. Wherever she went, she worked tirelessly to strengthen the Church, including teaching Sunday school, organizing and leading children's church and Pioneer Girls, leading women's Bible study groups, and doing whatever needed to be done.

She was predeceased by her parents Joseph William Epperson and Zelda Dovie Cates Epperson and sister Geraldine Joines; also her husband Harold, son Michael (Faith) and daughter Patricia. She is survived by her daughter Sharon (Lisa Katz) and grandchildren Andrew Heath, Heidi Heath, Miriam Katz and Rose Katz, as well as her brother Joseph Epperson (Arline), sister Peggy Roberts and many nieces and nephews. She loved the Lord and her family.
Donations in her honor may be made to New Life Community Church and Hospice of the Bay (San Francisco).

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day. (2 Tim. 4:7-8)

Graveside Services Friday, January 24, 2014 at 3:00pm at Pioneer Cemetery, 66 Marin St., Watsonville, CA with reception to follow in the Ave Maria Memorial Chapel Reception Center, 609 Main St., Watsonville.