She was born July 11, 1936 in Old Town, Maine, the daughter of Ara L. Brown and Jennie (Rugan) Brown.
She married Forrest “Bud” S. Stevens III on November 20, 1954 in Old Town, Maine, he passed away in 1995.
Billie graduated from Old Town High School in the class of 1954. She then attended and graduated from the University of Maine at Orono with a BA in English in the class of 1968.
She began her lifelong passion for education in 1964, teaching in Greenbush, Alton, Bradley and Milford. In 1977, she came to SAD #59 teaching for over 25 years retiring in 2002. Even after her retirement she continued to substitute teach until December of 2016.
“She loved her ‘little’ Madison people.”
She was a member of the Maine Teachers Association. President of the Madison Teachers Association, where she served many years, sat on the Madison Teacher Recertification Committee. A member of the Somerset Education Association - Retired and the Delta Gamma Society, a past member of the Skowhegan/ Madison Elks Auxiliary, and a member of the Skowhegan Federated Church, where she served as deaconess.
Billie, enjoyed her many friendships, known to be there, whatever the need may be.
Politically, she did not hesitate to write lengthy letters to the Maine State Government when feeling passionate on an issue.
She loved to travel, her favorite destination, St. Maarten in February. She enjoyed spending time at the hunting camp. Her family was her greatest pride, often heard saying “I’m so Blessed”.
She spent her days putting others first. Nurturing, inspiring and entertaining her students, colleagues and anyone else fortunate to have her in their lives.
Billie was widely known for her wit, being a tremendous storyteller, who brought much joy and laughter.
She leaves behind her four children, Daniel Stevens and his wife Myrle of Newport, Kerry Stevens and his wife Lynn of Norridgewock, F. Roderick Stevens and his wife Kimberly of Skowhegan, Julie McCarthy and her husband Richard of Pittsfield; her grandchildren, Nathan, Scott, Mikey, Jenna, Kael and Dallon; her great-grandchildren, Pia and Ella; her sister, Roberta “Bobbi” McLaughlin of Milford; her brothers, Phillip Brown and his wife Ginger of Stillwater, Richard Brown and his wife Karen of Milford; several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, and her three brothers, Allan, Carroll “Cappy”, and Stephen Brown.
A heartfelt “thank you” to all who cared for “Billie” these last days and to all who brought love and support to the family.
Viewing hours will be held on Sunday May 14, 2017 from 4 to 6 p.m. and on Tuesday May 16, 2017 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan, Maine. A Funeral service will be held on Wednesday May 17, 2017 at 2 p.m. at the Skowhegan Federated Church, Island Ave., Skowhegan, Maine. Burial will be at the East Skowhegan Cemetery in Skowhegan, Maine.
Donations may be made in Billie’s memory to the Somerset Humane Society, PO Box 453, Skowhegan, Maine 04976
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