Avis de décès de Billie-Jean Morris-Shotwell - Nécrologie - MesAieux.com

Billie Jean "B.J." Morris-Shotwell (nee, Keene), of Rancho Mirage, Calif., and a long time resident of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., passed away in her sleep at her daughter's home in Morongo Valley, Calif., on July 21, 2014.B.J. was born to Charles F. Keene and Sadie Rutledge Keene of Nola, Miss., on Dec. 19, 1927. Upon graduation from Monticello High School B.J. took business courses at Whitworth College in Brookhaven, Miss., and began a career in public relations that culminated with her 1971, appointment as the first woman executive director of the Pensacola/Escambia County Board of Tourism.Later, as the wife of Col. Grady Morris, (former commanding officer of Hurlburt Field, Fla.), B.J. would chair the committee responsible for bringing pharmacy services to that location. While in Fort Walton Beach, she worked tirelessly for the Sharing and Caring organization, holding various offices, and helping indigents and displaced families obtain food, shelter and other necessities of life. Had her health permitted, she would be working there still.As a widow, B.J. met and married Jack Shotwell, who was the great love of her life. In their years together they served the Shalimar Methodist Church in both volunteer and elected capacities. Over the years, B.J. was also active in such organizations as the Pensacola Red Cross, the Soroptimists and the Republican Women's Clubs of Nevada and Florida. She was an emeritus member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood. B.J. led a full and adventurous life, one in which she smuggled Bibles into Russia in 1972, and lived, worked and drove in Tehran in the months just prior to the Iranian Revolution. An elegant woman with great verve, energy and drive, she was (to the very end of her life) most fondly described as, "a REAL lady." She was loved by many and will be dearly missed by those who knew her well. B.J. is survived by daughter, Jan Lofton; grandchildren, Tammy Roberts and Louann Lofton of New Orleans, La., Charles Thomas (Chip) Lofton Jr. of Slidell, La.; and great-grandchildren, Joseph, Georgia, Carter, and Layla Kate Lofton.A memorial service will be held at the Shalimar Methodist Church, with a private graveside ceremony to follow. No flowers, please. The family asks that you remember B.J. by doing something kind for someone else, or by making a donation in her name to:Sharing and Caring of Okaloosa, County, 126 Beal Pkwy SW, Fort Walton Beach, FL, 32548