of North Little Rock, AR
May 15, 1942 - December 26, 2023
Billie Jo (Brannon) Dockins, age 81, of North Little Rock, AR died in the early hours of December 26, 2023 after a brave and courageous battle with cancer. Billie Jo was born on May 15, 1942 in Little Rock, AR. She was the first-born child of Joseph William and Carmine Evelynn (Hewitt) Brannon.
First a steadfast older sister, she became a devoted wife, fiercely protective mother and proud grandmother. She married her high school sweetheart, James E. Dockins, whom she lovingly called ''Doc''. She was the absolute love of his life. After dating for two years, they were married for 63 years and worked side-by-side to build a strong, loving family. She was a true craftsman and creator with her hands. Whether it was as a beautician, florist, artist or seamstress, her love language was creating beautiful things for her family and friends. If she made something for you, it meant she loved you. A banana pudding? Love. A quilt? Love. A bunny suit? Love. No matter how big or small the gesture, the love behind it was always big.
Billie Jo was a devout Christian with an incredibly strong faith. She loved studying the Bible and spent countless hours in various Bible studies throughout her life. She had the innate ability to tap into her knowledge of the Bible in very practical and helpful ways. Never one to interfere, if you asked for her advice or help, she listened well and counseled humbly, referencing scriptures as she did. She and her family joined Park Hill Baptist Church on January 1, 1984 and she was a dedicated member of the Dockins Sunday School Class for over 36 years.
Billie Jo is survived by her husband, James E. Dockins; her three children, Tammy Horton (Eddie) of Bentonville, AR, Randy Dockins (Tambry) of Charlotte, NC and Becky Dockins of Conway, AR and her five grandchildren, Nicklaus Dockins, Katie Harris, Anthony Dockins, Jack Horton and Hattie Horton. She is also survived by her brother, Bill Brannon (Carolyn) of Hot Springs, AR and her sister, Betty Gammill (Johnny) of Benton, AR. Also, countless cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 29th at 11:30 AM at Park Hill Baptist Church in North Little Rock. A visitation will be held one hour prior to services at 10:30 AM.
Graveside services will follow the service at Rest Hills Memorial Park at 1:00 PM in North Little Rock.
Mrs. Dockins was a wonderful Christian LADY! When I first met her she was the secretary at Abundant Life School where I had the pleasure of teaching! She was always a joy to be around! She taught me to crochet the basket weave stitch! This was during our lunch time! She was generous always! I joined Parkhill many years later and got to attend several Bible Studies together! What a joy!! Thankful she is at home in heaven with Our Lord but I will miss speaking to her on Sunday mornings.
Peace and love to all the family.
So thankful we are part of the extended family and shared a little of the life of this dear woman .
Sharon and Jim Thompson
It was my absolute JOY serving as one of your Chaplains at the Comfort Care Center. Such a beautiful family......praying for you??
Unfortunately we did not have the pleasure of meeting Billie Jo !
She sounds like a true blessing to the lives she touched!
And, I believe it “runs” in the family; because, her sister, Betty is a joy and blessing to those she knows and meets!
Our prayers are with all of your family! And, Our Love!
Jim and family,
Our heart felt condolences to you all. BJ was my dear friend who has a special place in my heart. We had some good times together with Jim & BJ. We will never forget her. All our love to Jim & family.