WILMA JEANINE "BILLIE" (McMACKIN) WHITING

 A funeral service will be held for Wilma Jeanine “Billie” Hampton Whiting, 88, at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, June 12, 2021 at the First Baptist Church in Douglas, Wyoming with Pastor Bill Williamson officiating.  Internment will be in the Cowley Cemetery in Cowley, Wyoming on Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at 1:00 P.M.

Billie passed away unexpectedly of natural causes Monday, June 7, 2021 in her home in Douglas.

Billie was born on Monday, July 18, 1932, in Glenrock, Wyoming, to Artie Tilden McMackin and Edna Geraldine Showalter. She was the oldest and only sister to four brothers, Larry, Ed, George, and John and later four step brothers.

Billie’s greatest passion was her music and she started singing at a very young age with her father, who was also a musician. He wanted her to learn to play the piano, but that didn’t work out for her. By the time her father got home from the service, she could only play one song, so he taught her a few chords on the piano. She learned to play by ear and could listen to any song and after a few tries, could play the whole thing. She loved to sing and play music and played for numerous events and dances throughout her life.

Billie was raised in Douglas and at 17, met her first husband, John Hampton, while working at the “Candy Coop.” They married and to this union, three children were born, Vickie Lynn, Gwendolyn Jean, and Douglas Wayne.

Billie was a very hard worker her whole life. She had many hobbies and pastimes. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, sewing, quilting, and crafting. She loved decorating her home with her creations, always kept a spotless house, and had numerous houseplants. She was also a terrific cook and her pies and baked goods were legendary. When you went to Billie’s house, she always had something delicious to feed you and if she didn’t have anything, she would whip something up from whatever she had in the kitchen. No one ever left Grandma’s house hungry. She also never went out in public without her hair, makeup, and nails done. In fact, Billie went to beauty school in her late 50’s to learn how to do pedicures and acrylic nails. She owned her own nail salon for a time and loved helping make her clients beautiful.

Billie and John moved multiple times and loved to travel. They lived in many places, but of all the places they lived, Lovell always had a special place in her heart. Her grandkids remember many summers they spent with Grandma and Grandpa Hampton and have many fond memories with them.

Billie married Jim Whiting in 1998. They both loved music and Jim would play his guitar while Billie played the keyboard. They performed at many functions for the community in Douglas. Their best memories were of the times they spent in their cabin above Laramie. Billie loved to watch the squirrels and hummingbirds at the cabin. She spent many hours putting up and filling the hummingbird feeders outside the house. “Jimmie Dale” was a kind and gracious husband and loved to help Billie with her many projects and activities that she engaged in.

Billie’s passion for singing was passed along to her grandchildren. Not in the way you would think, though, as not many of them became singers, but because every year on their birthdays, she would call them up and sing “Happy Birthday.” In fact, a lot of the kids still have voicemails they’ve saved of her singing. They will always have these as a happy memory of Grandma.

Billie always had a smile on her face and a hug for everyone. She will be remembered for her sweet, sparkling, and spunky personality. She leaves behind a legacy and example of kindness and love for all those who knew her. Billie will be sorely missed by everyone who loved her.

In addition to her three children and her husband, Jimmie Dale, Billie also leaves behind 12 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, six great-great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her father, Artie, on September 1, 1980; her mother, Edna, on September 1936; her brothers; her first husband, John; and two great-grandsons.  

A memorial to the Douglas Senior Citizens Center, P.O. Box 192, Douglas, Wyoming 82633 would be appreciated by the family.

The Gorman Funeral Homes – Converse Chapel of Douglas, Wyoming is in charge of the arrangements.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.gormanfh.com

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