Billie Parris

Billie Ruth Parris was born on March 19, 1939 and departed from this life on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. She was born in Park Hill on her family's Cherokee allotted land. She was the daughter of the late Flo and Edith Parris of Park Hill, Oklahoma, and the great-great-great-granddaughter of the famous Cherokee Chief, John Ross.

Billie attended Owen School in Park Hill through the 8th grade and Central High School in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. She graduated from Northeastern State College in Tahlequah, with a B.S. degree in Education in 1960 and a Master of Education degree in 1973.

Billie loved to travel and used her teaching as a way to see and live in many parts of the country from Oregon to Florida. Her 32 year career was dedicated to Elementary Education. She had the opportunity to travel to Europe on several occasions with her students. She retired from Woodall School after teaching 2nd grade for 20 years.

She was a life-long member of Park Hill Presbyterian Church. She joyfully served as Elder, Sunday School Teacher, Treasurer, and Clerk of Session. Billie and her sister, Frankie, gave freely of their time to teaching and their church.

Billie was reunited with her childhood friend, JD Kennicutt when he moved back to Oklahoma to retire from teaching. After many years together, they were married.

Billie was a devoted daughter, sister, aunt and wife. She traveled and lived close to her sister Frankie's family to help raise her nieces and nephews. She will be dearly missed by her family.

She is preceded in death by her sister and brother-in-law, Frankie and Alan Herrin. She is survived by her loving family, which include her husband, nieces and nephews. These include James Kennicutt of Tahlequah, Mark Herrin and his wife Deanna of Tahlequah, Gerri Lawson and her husband Terry of Tulsa, Jane Phillips and her husband Todd of Tahlequah, and Jay Herrin and his wife Missy of Tahlequah.

A public viewing will be Friday, March 7, 2025, 1:00m to 4:00 PM, at Hart Funeral Home in Tahlequah.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, March 9, 2025, 2:00 PM, at Park Hill Presbyterian Church.