Billie Jean Yancey Whitehurst, AKA, BJ, Mama, Granny, Sis Whitehurst, was born in West Pangburn, Arkansas on September 8, 1933, to William “Bill” and Hattie Louise Yancey.

On July 7, 1951, she married the love of her life – Harvey Alton Whitehurst. Together they had five children, thirteen grandchildren, and fifteen great-grandchildren.

According to Granny, the greatest event of her life was around 1960, at Rosepine United Pentecostal Church, under the ministry of Reverend T.F. Tenney, when she repented of her sins, was immersed by baptism in the only saving name of Jesus and received the gift of His Spirit evidenced by speaking in tongues.

Granny was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Virginia Louise; brother Bobby Yancey; great-grandson, Thomas Ray Scott; very special daughter, Leah Owens, who is survived by the love of her life, Dale Owens, and very special friend, Bub Hilton.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 73 years, Harvey Alton Whitehurst; son, Billy Alton Whitehurst and wife Peggie; daughters, Marian (Murney) Whitehurst and Renita (Shelly) Toney and husband Robert; son, Nathan Glen Whitehurst and wife Roxanna; brother, Jim Yancey and wife Novella; thirteen grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; very special friends, Connie Hilton and children; her precious church family; and the Mt. Zion Bunch – you know who you are!

Until we meet again – To God Be the Glory!

Funeral services for Granny were held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at First United Pentecostal Church of Leesville with Reverends Mark Christian, Louis Magee, Robert Toney, and Luis Guareado officiating and Robert Harrah reading the obituary. Burial followed in the Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery officiated by Jimmy Toney under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service. Serving as pallbearers were Wayne Owens, Darrell Owens, Audie Hilton, Ryan Whitehurst, Bobby Harrah, and Kendall Harrah.