Billye M. Head

Billye Marie Langston Head 94, of Estancia, New Mexico, passed away in Colorado, while living with her daughter. She was born on September 22, 1931, in Denison, Texas to Willie Rice Powell Langston and Walter Greene Langston, raised in Denison, Texas.

A devoted spouse, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend to many, it was important to Billye to put people first and participate in community. Billye lost her parents when she was 15. After graduating from Baylor University, she married Earl Head, and they moved to Los Alamos, New Mexico to work at Los Alamos Laboratories, later moving to Estancia.

Billye was a lifelong Christian, requesting baptism when she was 7 years old. She was involved with church family wherever she lived and was attending the Church of Christ in Estancia prior to her move to Colorado.

Billye initially worked as a chemist for Los Alamos Laboratories, stopped working to raise her children and then became a schoolteacher after moving to Estancia. Cub scouts, Girl Scouts, cadets, cooking at church camp, camping and traveling are among our memories. She loved reading whether for pleasure or knowledge, those terms were interchangeable to her. Her love of community, education, and access to reading for all led her to be involved in bringing the Estancia Public Library to its fruition. Billye had a gift for sewing, that her daughters came to miss over time. She loved to cook for our extended family gatherings and this along with her smiles and laughter are memories recalled with great pleasure. She made everyone around her feel welcome and at home.

Billye is survived by her children, Leslie Chavez and husband Jerry, Stuart Head, and Linda Lawlis; her grandchildren Gavin Lawlis and wife Anastasia, Camden Lawlis, Brian Head and wife Tamar, Shannon Cruse and husband Andrew and her 10 grandchildren, Emma Perea, Elaine Head, Earl Head, Katya Lawlis, Frances Head, Thomas Head, Augustine Head, Vika Lawlis, Joseph Head, and Wrenna Lawlis. A host of extended family and dear friends lovingly remember her.

Billye was preceded in death by her parents Willie and Walter (WG) Langston, her daughter Lisa Helen Head, her sister Helen Fuller, her husband Earl Head, her granddaughter Nastassia Chavez and great grandson Micah Perea.

Billye and her husband of 68 years will have their ashes scattered by family in a spreading ceremony. She was a pillar in the family, loved by all and her smile, laugh and wisdom will be missed.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to AccentCare Home Hospice of Larimer County for the compassionate care provided by her team. Also, thanks to Goes Funeral Care in Fort Collins for their loving care and compassion for our beloved Billye/Mom.