Billie was born on May 21, 1942 in Jenks, OK to James Elmo and Mildred Inez Shade. She was raised in Tulsa, where she graduated from Central High School. She then attended college in Fort Smith, where she received her Associate's Degree in Nursing. She moved overseas for a few years, before returning to Oklahoma, where she worked as an RN at Hillcrest Hospital for over 10 years before her employment at Texas County Health Department in Guymon, retiring at the age of 65. After retirement, she worked part-time for the town of Goodwell and was a volunteer for the Goodwell Ambulance Service.

Billie married Samuel Charles Nelson in 2014 in Goodwell, OK. She enjoyed crocheting and arts and crafts in her free time. She also enjoyed family games and was an avid bowler. She was a caregiver at heart, always tending to the needs of others. Above all, she loved her family and spending time with them and cherished being Grandma Billie to her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Billie is survived by her husband Samuel Nelson of Amarillo; 2 daughters, Karen Wilson and husband Les of Hays, KS and Debbie Mason and husband Todd of Goodwell, OK; brother, Leon Shade and wife Carol of Owasso, OK; grandchildren, Kathryn McEwan and husband Jeremiah and their children, Emily and Audrey McEwan of Hays, KS, Kenneth Mason and wife Mary Kate of Goodwell, OK and Timothy Mason and Elizabeth Cockes and their child, Willow Mason-Cockes of Garden City, KS.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, James "Butch" Shade and her beloved dogs, Bubba and Buster.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to: Goodwell Community Fund: P.O. Box 243, Goodwell, OK 73939.