BILLIE JO ANTHONY

Billie Jo Anthony was born on October 4, 1930, and departed this life on November 21, 2024, at the age of 94.  She was born in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, to James and Sarah Scott Philpot.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Richard Anthony, and all her siblings, Thurman Philpot, Helen Van Hooser, Pellie Condon, Floyd Philpot, Peggy Henry, James Philpot, and Ray Philpot, and her daughter, Sandra Darwish.  She is survived by her children, Patricia Davis, Pam Anthony, and Michael Anthony.  She is also survived by five grandchildren, Wendy Sear, Casey Sosa, Angela Guerrero, Jared Taylor, and Jill Darwish, nine great-grandchildren and one great-great grandson, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Billie came to California with her parents at the age of four months, riding in a truck filled with all their belongings, during the Dust Bowl migration.  Her parents first settled in Selma, CA.  Her father was a farmer and carpenter and the family moved a lot during Billie’s childhood.  She would reminisce about all the many moves she made growing up.

Billie went to school in Tulare and the surrounding area and graduated from Tulare Union High School in 1949.  She went to work for both the El Rey and State Theatres in Tulare.  It was while working at the theatre that she met Richard Anthony, who was in the U.S. Navy at the time.  She said she saw him from the candy counter and fell in love as soon as she saw his blue eyes.  Their first date was at a wrestling match.  He proposed at Mooney’s Grove and they were married on May 17, 1950, just two months after they met.  They made their home in Tulare and were married almost 68 years.

Billie worked various jobs throughout her life.  She worked in the office at Tagus Ranch early on.  Later she was employed by Peg’s Draperies and then Thompson Nursery.  Billie also did the bookkeeping for her husband’s business, R & M Farms, Inc.  Billie was best known, however, for being a wonderful cook.  She and Richard would often host dinners and parties for friends and family and she thoroughly enjoyed cooking her delicious recipes for everyone.  It was a treat to be a guest at her table. 

Billie was a wonderful mother and grandmother.  Her family meant everything to her.  Billie had the most beautiful smile and smiled often.  She was a beautiful lady with a wonderful outlook on life.  She will be greatly missed.  The family would like to thank the staff at TLC Assisted Living Facility for the care they have given Billie the last three years. 

A funeral service will be held on December 2, 2024, at 10 a.m. at Peers Lorentzen Funeral Chapel, Tulare, CA, with visitation at 9 a.m. and burial at Tulare Public Cemetery.
To send condolences or sign the family guest book, please CLICK HERE to send. Peers-Lorentzen Funeral Services is in charge of arrangements.