Billye Joyce Wilcoxson

Billye Joyce Wilcoxson August 29, 1927 – July 2, 2026

Billye Joyce Wilcoxson was born on August 29, 1927, in Ada, Oklahoma, and passed away peacefully surrounded by family in Exeter, California, on July 2, 2026. She joined her beloved husband, Gene Wilcoxson, whom she married in June of 1947, and her daughter, Joycelynn Wilcoxson, in heaven.

Billye’s lifelong love for education and music began early. As a newborn, both of her parents taught in a two-room schoolhouse, where Billye would spend her days sleeping peacefully in a basket tucked away in the cloak closet. That early connection to education would become a meaningful part of her life’s work.

Billye earned a bachelor’s degree in Music Education and Vocal Music from Oklahoma State University, followed by a master’s degree in Supervision and Curriculum Development from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. She began her career by giving music lessons out of her two-story home, converting the first-floor living room into a music lesson room while raising her three young children.

She went on to serve as a music and choir instructor in Garden Grove, California. In 1964, Billye and her husband moved their family to Woodlake, California, where she taught first grade and became instrumental in developing a music program for Woodlake schools. Her work helped bring music and choir instruction to students from elementary school through high school.

In 1969, Billye joined the Tulare City School District as a music coordinator. She later became a Visual and Performing Arts Consultant for the Tulare County Office of Education, where she continued to share her passion for music, teaching, and the arts. In 1990, Billye was appointed as the director of Saint Paul’s, continuing her legacy of leadership and service.

Billye instilled in her family the importance of tradition, love, and togetherness. Holiday feasts often included the treasured tradition of seeing who could make the best “Mema’s penni rolls.” She enjoyed family cookouts and spending the Fourth of July with her great-grandchildren as they put on their firework shows.

Most of all, Billye will be remembered for the love she expressed daily. She made sure her family always had a place to call home. In the middle of the daily chaos of soccer practices, dance lessons, college classes, and everyday life, she was there with dinner, snacks, and love — sometimes for a reason, and sometimes just because.

Billye loved telling stories of her life’s adventures, from her days in the two-room schoolhouse, to being courted by Grandpa, to getting married, and eventually packing up her family and moving to California. She loved deeply, and that love was felt by all who were blessed to know her.

She is survived by her sons, Stephen Wilcoxson and Keith Wilcoxson; her grandchildren, Jesse Wilcoxson, Ryan Wilcoxson, and Jade Wilcoxson; her great-grandchildren, Steven Wilcoxson, Ashlynn Wilcoxson, Chuey Wilcoxson, Emma Wilcoxson, and Magnus Wilcoxson; and her future great-great-grandchild.

Billye lived a long and meaningful life devoted to family, education, music, and service. Her legacy will live on through the generations of students, musicians, family members, and loved ones whose lives she touched. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Tulare County Symphony League.

A donation box will be available at the services, or donations may be mailed directly to:

Tulare County Symphony League

P.O. Box 4264 Visalia, CA 93278

Visitation for Billye will take place on Tuesday, July 14th, 2026 at Smith Family Chapel from 8:30 A.M. - 10:00 A.M. A Funeral Service will follow visitation at 10:00 A.M. at Smith Family Chapel. Directly following will be a committal at the Visalia Cemetery at 12:00 P.M.

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