Billie Jean Schonert

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Visitation Schedule
Roller-Chenal Funeral Home
13801 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock, AR  72211
Thursday, September 21, 2017
5:00 - 7:00 P.M.
Service Schedule
Lakeshore Baptist Church
21 Lakeshore Drive
Little Rock, AR  72204
Friday, September 22, 2017
10:00 A.M.
Cemetery
Orion Cemetery
Redfield, AR  
Memorial Contributions
Lakeshore Baptist Church
21 Lakeshore Drive
Little Rock, AR  72204
Billie Jean Schonert

October 2, 1928 - September 16, 2017

Billie Jean Schonert passed away peacefully on September 16, 2017 in Dallas, Texas at aged 88. Born to William Z. and Hattie Simpson in Redfield, Arkansas on October 2, 1928, Billie graduated from Draughon School of Business in Little Rock. She worked for General Motors for 5 years before joining the Little Rock Police Department where she worked for 31 years until she retired. During her tenure at the Police Department she developed many friendships which continued long after her retirement. Billie attended Lakeshore Drive Baptist Church and loved volunteering at the church's food pantry.

Preceded in death by her two brothers; Carl and W.Z. Simpson, and sisters, Katherine Simpson, Little Rock, Pauline Nickells, Pine Bluff, Margaret Jones and Clotine Lindsey, Little Rock.

Billie is survived by one son, Greg Schonert, of Dallas, Texas and two grandchildren, Andy Schonert and his wife Katie from The Woodlands, Texas and Jeff Schonert and his wife Natalia from Weehawken, New Jersey. She is also survived by three great-grandchildren, Clara, Charlie and Pilar Schonert, each of who brought her amazing joy, happiness and laughter as she heard of their exploits and spent time with them in Dallas.

Billie was a gracefully resilient, ferociously independent woman who was not shy in expressing her opinions on any matter--often during spirited family discussions. Yet she was the kindest, most giving daughter, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother imaginable. Her commitment to loving and sacrificing for her family defined her. She loved family gatherings and hosting meals when family was visiting. Her baking skills were second to none.

Her faith in God was steadfast. She always pulled for the underdog''''the David instead of the Goliath. That allegiance was best illustrated by her love for her Razorbacks. Win or lose, no other team or fan base was better than the Hogs. She was a proud Arkansan to her core. She reveled in the state's beauty, its food, and any famous residents. For her, if it was from Arkansas, then it was the best.

She was sustained by her many friendships. She was inspired by both the faith and sense of humor she received from her frequent visits and conversations with Penny Lindsey of Little Rock. Her family at Lakeshore Baptist Church strengthened her faith and allowed her to practice it in her own private and quiet way. Its members placed their faith into action at the food pantry, and helped Billie lead a longer and more spiritually fulfilled life. Though her time at Sunrise Hillcrest Assisted Living in Dallas was brief, the staff quickly became her community and she was very grateful for those who led her care team.

Visitation with family and friends is scheduled on Thursday, September 21, 2017 from 5:00-7:00 p.m.at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, AR 72211. A funeral service celebrating her life will be held the following day on Friday, September 22, 2017 at 10:00 a.m., at Lakeshore Baptist Church. Burial will follow at the Orion Cemetery in Redfield, AR.

In lieu of flowers, Billie requested for donations be made to Lakeshore Baptist Church, 21 Lakeshore Drive, Little Rock, AR



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5 Condolence(s)
Diane Baskins
Dallas, TX
Liked
Sunday, September 24, 2017

My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Billie Jean Schonert. She will truly be missed at Sunrise at Hillcrest. I worked on Sunday's only and truly became to know Mrs. Billie Jean as a sweet, kind and considerate person. I am so blessed to have known her and may she rest in peace.

Diane Baskins
Concierge

Gregory Woods
Memphis, TN
Liked
Friday, September 22, 2017

I'm so sorry to hear of Billie’s passing. Loosing a loved one is never easy. I lost my dad in 2010, and my mom in 2012. After my losses, reading Revelation 21:3,4 gave me real comfort. It says: And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away. I hope reading these verses also give you comfort during this difficult time. GW

Deborah MacDonald - Sunrise Senior Living
Dallas, TX
Liked
Thursday, September 21, 2017

Ms. Billie Jean was such a wonderful lady. She was always smiling. Always cheerful. She would ask about my kids and wanted to know how my daughter was doing in her first year at college. We were her extended family and she was part of mine. She loved to sit beside me during Bingo and we shared many laughs and good natured ribbing. There is definitely a void in our Sunrise home without her. I am so fortunate to have been able to meet Ms. Billie Jean and get to know her over this last year and a 1/2. It was truly a privilege to be able to spend time with her each day. Rest in Peace my sweet lady.

Pamela Harrison
Dallas, TX
Liked
Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Ms. Billie Jean was an extraordinary woman. There are many in the Sunrise at Hillcrest community who will deeply mourn her passing. She was very special to us and made everyone she came in contact with feel special. May she rest in love & peace.

Alice Fogle Abson
Mabelvale, AR
Liked
Tuesday, September 19, 2017


Death is nothing at all.
It does not count.
I have only slipped away into the next room.
Nothing has happened.

Everything remains exactly as it was.
I am I, and you are you,
and the old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged.
Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.

Call me by the old familiar name.
Speak of me in the easy way which you always used.
Put no difference into your tone.
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.

Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes that we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household word that it always was.
Let it be spoken without an effort, without the ghost of a shadow upon it.

Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same as it ever was.
There is absolute and unbroken continuity.
What is this death but a negligible accident?

Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just round the corner.

All is well.
Nothing is hurt; nothing is lost.
One brief moment and all will be as it was before.
How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting when we meet again!

-Henry Scott-Holland