Billie Jonse

Billie Nunez Jonse, 91, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, Saturday evening, June 13, 2020.  Billie was the second of six girls born to Ysabel “Charlie” and Virginia Pena Nunez in Elgin, Texas on October 20, 1928.  Billie grew up and attended schools in Elgin and began working at the Brick Yard as a young girl, helping her daddy.  In 1945, while working at Camp Swift, she met a soldier, who had just returned from the War.  Within a few short months, Herman Jonse and Belia Nunez would be united in Holy Matrimony; they celebrated over 55 years of marriage before his passing July 11, 2002.  Together they raised their family, of one son and five daughters, in Elgin.

After the children were all in school, she set out to work as a Service Assistant for the Travis State School in Austin.  Billie retired in 1991, after a 26-year career with the Travis State School.  In her retirement, she was always cooking, cleaning, and caring for her 11 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.  Billie loved to watch her grandchildren play football on Friday nights at Wildcat Stadium and her beloved Cowboys on Sunday.  Billie enjoyed going to the movies, cruising the city streets of Elgin, and could often be found at Super Donuts or Dairy Queen hanging out with her friends.  She loved to visit her family in town and getting her hair done.  Billie loved her family and always cherished an opportunity to have them all over to the house to eat; the whole family would gather at her home on South Avenue A for every holiday and special occasion.

Billie was preceded in death by both her parents; her husband, Herman; her daughter, Corinne Gee; her four sisters, Aurora Carrillo, Margaret Kegler, Sophie Nunez, and Anita Galvan.

Billie is survived by her son, Herman Jonse, Jr. and wife Hatsumi of San Diego, CA; her four daughters, Linda and husband Larry Bob Larson of Elgin, Gloria Briones of Elgin, Olivia Ringgold of Chula Vista, CA, and Rhonda and Jose Palacios of Elgin; her sister, Beatrice Kerrigan; her 11 grandchildren, Michelle, Frances, Marc, Gilbert Jr., Vanessa, Michael, Chris, Jessica, Robert, Flavia, Roland; 20 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.