Billie Jean Cousins

BILLIE JEAN (HATCH) COUSINS age 62 of Millington died Tuesday January 1, 2008 at Genesys Health Park. Memorial service will be 11 AM Saturday January 5, 2008 at the Millington United Methodist Church. Rev. Peter Crawford and Bethany Phipps will officiate. Burial of the cremains will take place following the funeral at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Lapeer. Contributions may be made to the Millington/Arbela Township Library or the PtHA Heritage Foundation Scholarship Fund. Visitation will be Thursday 6-9 PM, Friday 1-4 and 6-9PM at the Hudson Funeral Service Inc. and at the Millington United Methodist Church Saturday from 10 – 11 AM. Billie was born February 9, 1945 the daughter of William and Genevieve (Livingsten) Hatch. She married Carl Cousins on August 13, 1966 in Flint. Billie's passion for children led her to the teaching profession. She received her B.S. from EMU and her MA/Specialist from CMU. She retired in 2004 after 30 years in the classroom, mostly with beloved kindergarteners. She was instrumental in developing a young 5's program in the 1980's and bringing the all-day kindergarten concept to Millington in the early 1990's. She attended the Millington United Methodist Church and was a charter member of Glory Riders Chapter of Cowboys for Christ. She has been a member of the Eastern Star since her 18 birthday. Billie's family was heavily involved in the Pinto Horse Assn. Billie served as the co-chair of the National Youth Committee since 1983, being elected to the Pinto Wall of Fame in 2000. At the state level, she has been an active member of the Michigan State Pinto Breeders and Owners Assn., since 1978, serving as president, treasurer and chairperson of many committees. She was a member of the Millington Education Assn. having served as secretary for many years, Millington Boosters Club serving as secretary when developing the present sports complex. Surviving are her husband: Carl; son and daughter-in-law: Rod and Deena Cousins; mother: Genevieve Chandler; sister and husband Barbara and LeRoy Cousins; nieces, nephews, surrogate children and grandchildren as well as cherished friends. She was preceded in death by her son: Bucky; father: Bill and stepfather: Vern along with other family members and friends who have passed this way before her.
A funeral dinner will be served at the church fellowship hall following the return from the graveside services.