Billye was born in Era, Texas on September 28, 1923 to Johnny and Fannie Masten. She was a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the US Air Force, as well as a registered nurse. She served in Viet Nam and Korea. She retired from the military while serving at Caswell AFB in Fort Worth and moved to Amarillo in 1979.
She has a huge Dallas Cowboy fan and enjoyed watching every single game.
She is preceded in death by her parents, one brother and two sisters.
She is survived by her niece Bonnie Howard of Fort Worth, other extended family members Anita Howard of Richmond, VA, Diana Carlson and husband Rick of Bentonville, AR; James Howard and wife Brenda of Amarillo; Jeff Helms and wife Karen , Robbie Helms and David Helms and wife Michelle, all of Lewisville, TX; Kent Gardner of College Station and Kristen Carroll of San Antonio.