Billie Jean Hodge, 92, of Hartshorne, passed away Sunday, March 16, 2025 in Hartshorne.  Graveside funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 20, at 2:00 p.m. at the Elmwood Cemetery Pavilion, with Phill Lay officiating.

Billie Jean Hodge was born on August 2, 1932 in McAlester to James and Grace (Ledbetter) Hodge.  As happened frequently during the depression days, Billie ended up living with her aunt, Ollie (Ledbetter) Whiting and her husband, William Whiting.  Billie attended Hartshorne schools and graduated from Hartshorne High School in 1951.   After graduation, she began work at Miller Grocery Store in Hartshorne and worked there until the business closed.  She then went to work at Eastside Market until the death of Jimmy Klein and the subsequent closing of the store.  She then went to work for Hartshorne public Schools as a custodian until her retirement.  Billie never married and lived with her "second mama", Ollie Whiting, after William Whiting passed away.  They continued to live together until Ollie passed away.  At that point, she lived with her "adopted sister", Nettie "Sis" Whiting Motes, until Nettie's death.  During this time, Billie had a hand in spoiling numerous nieces and nephews, as well as many dogs and cats, and one special horse.  At the age of 90, her health forced her to give up her home and move to California with her great nephew, Kevin Motes.  After 2 years, she returned to Hartshorne and resided at Beare Manor until her passing on Sunday, March 16, 2025.  Billie was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Grace Hodge, a sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Ray Weeks; her aunt and uncle who raised her, William and Ollie Whiting; her sister, Nettie "Sis" Motes; and numerous nieces and nephews.