Billie married L.B. Handly Jr. in 1958 and was employed as an office and surgical nurse with Dr. Lewis Hyatt for over a decade. She then worked at Corner Drug Store for Mr. Billy Ralph Hunter and City Drug for the McKeowns' where she enjoyed buying gifts for the stores and serving her customers. She was a member of the Drew Memorial Hospital Auxiliary where she continued to help the sick and elderly. Billie joined Second Baptist Church in Monticello in 1961 and was a faithful member through the years. She also enjoyed traveling the United States and motorcycling with friends, crocheting and gardening. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Cooper of Colorado; and a sister, Carolyn Eberle also of Colorado.
She is survived by a son, Brooks L. Handly (Lesa) of Little Rock; sister, Roberta Uhles of Redding, California; two sisters, Judy Boreen of Fort Collins, Colorado and Elizabeth Sayer of Exeter, California; along with her ''additional family'' she wanted mentioned; Mitzi Rice (Robert) of Monticello as a daughter and David Barnes (Sharon) of Rowlett, TX, as a second son. The family would like to express special thanks to the excellent team at Belle View Estates for their tireless and dedicated caregiving to Mrs. Billie.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 6, 2026, at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Chapel. There will be a visitation from 10:00-11:00 a.m. preceding the funeral service at the funeral home. Burial will be in Campground Cemetery.
Condolences(9)
Sherry ONeill-Rawls
Monticello, AR Tuesday, February 10, 2026 To Mrs. Billie's family: I am so sorry for your loss. Mrs. Billie was a sweet lady whom I so admired & loved. She was always perfectly dressed with never a hair out of place & her demeanor was always professional at the drug store.She was a kind and helpful person. She was a delight to be around. The world has lost a shining example of a Southern Lady. She will be sorely missed. May God bless and comfort you.
Shelia Ratledge
Monticello, AR Sunday, February 8, 2026 Danny and I are so sorry for yalls loss .Mrs. Billie was the best. We got to know her when we attended second Baptist. She sat in front of us . She loved my children always so kind to them . Our youngest was a little baby and sometimes she would hold him during services . She always had a hug to give and a smile for everyone. She was a precious lady ,she will be missed all our love and prayers. Shelia Danny and EliKay Worbington
Monticello, AR Friday, February 6, 2026 Brooks, Lesa and other family & close friends of Billie Nell: You all have my prayers of comfort at this sad time. Billie was a wonderful lady! I am blessed to have known her for so many years. I remember when Brooks. who she loved with all her heart, was a young child. She and my husband Kenny worked together at Corner Drug. May youall find comfort in knowing that Billie is with her LORD!
Lisha Foreman Davis
Hamburg, AR Thursday, February 5, 2026 Brooks,My condolences on your mom’s, Mrs. Billie’s, passing. She was an extremely kind and friendly person to all us kids growing up in the neighborhood. So many fond memories of her. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
David & Sharon Barnes
ROWLETT, TX Wednesday, February 4, 2026 Brooks & Lesa, we share in your loss of a great lady! Our hearts are full of countless memories of our times together! Our prayers are with you, my brother!So for ur loss I keep y'all in my 🙏🙏
Monticello, AR Wednesday, February 4, 2026 Jo JordanTony Hudson
Wilmar, AR Wednesday, February 4, 2026 Brooks,So sorry for your loss. Your mom was always polite and friendly to me from childhood to adulthood.
Praying for you brother.
Alice Hill
Warren, AR Wednesday, February 4, 2026 Brooks and Lesa, I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you.David Crook
Hot Springs, AR Tuesday, February 3, 2026 Brooks, Sorry to hear of Mrs. Billies passing. She was always very nice to all of us kids in the neighborhood on Willis St. She will be missed. David Crook