04/06/2026
Billye Faye Kirklen Koonce, 92, passed away peacefully on April 3, 2026. She was born on July 5, 1933, to Loyd Thomas Kirklen and Ruby Goodson Kirklen.
Billye Faye grew up in Lingleville, Texas, where she developed strong Christian values, a determined work ethic, and a kind, gentle spirit. She built her life in Desdemona, grounded in her unwavering faith in Christ and surrounded by family and dear friends.
A testament to her strong work ethic was the many roles she held throughout her life. She enjoyed her time working at Smith’s Department Store and was known by many as the warm, smiling face who greeted them at Comanche County Medical Center—a role she faithfully served in until her retirement at the remarkable age of 80. Above all, her most cherished role was being a mother and the pillar of her family—a steady source of strength, faith, and unconditional love.
Her greatest joy was time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was their biggest cheerleader, rarely missing a sporting event, always ready to travel to be with them, and never one to pass up a good shopping trip.
Billye Faye’s servant’s heart was evident in her deep love for her community. She was a devoted member of the Desdemona community, faithfully volunteering at her church and at the Desdemona Activity Center. She was also a member of the Study Club, ESA, and the Chamber of Commerce, and was honored as Woman of the Year.
She was a fighter—not by the world’s standards, but through her quiet perseverance, positivity, and unwavering ability to see the good in others. As a stroke and cancer survivor, she faced life with resilience and grace. To those who knew her best, there was no problem she couldn’t help fix with a cold Coke, a cookie, a slice of pie, or a piece of her famous pound cake. She loved beginning her mornings visiting and “solving the world’s problems” with her coffee crew at Cactus Corner—friendships she treasured deeply.
Billye Faye was preceded in death by her parents Loyd Thomas and Ruby Goodson Kirklen. Her sisters Bobbye Jean Roberson, Bettye Jo Terry, and Helen Louise Stone. She is survived by her sons, Scotty Koonce and wife Pat, and Brad Koonce and wife Lorie; her grandchildren, Derek Koonce and wife Debbie, Amy Wright, Ashley Ray and husband Eric, Austin Koonce and wife Morgan, and Aaron Koonce and wife Taylor; and her great-grandchildren, Kalee Schwartz and husband Garrett, Brenner Wright, Emery Ray, Elyn Ray, Emmett Ray, Beau Koonce, Kade Koonce, Kollyns Koonce, and Cole Koonce. She would have been a great great grandmother with baby boy Schwartz due in June.
Billye Faye’s life was a beautiful testament to unwavering faith, enduring love, and a heart devoted to others. She will be deeply missed and forever loved and remembered by all who were blessed to know her. She was truly one of a kind—a beloved Mother and “Granny.”
The Koonce family will receive friends for visitation on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at Nowlin Anders Funeral Home from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Funeral services celebrating Billye Faye’s life will be held Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Desdemona Church of Christ with Minister Ken Frazier officiating. Graveside committal will follow in Desdemona Cemetery. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Foster’s Home for Children (fostershome.org), in memory of Billye Faye. Condolences may be offered online at www.nowlinandersfh.com.