Billie Jean Moore
May 5, 1943 - December 14, 2022
Born May 5, 1943 in Humansville, MO. Billie passed away December 14, 2022 peacefully at home surrounded by family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Bill and Glestner Moore; Shirley Campbell, sister, and Ron Dodson, brother-in-law. Billie is survived by John Moore (Brother), Nancy Dodson (Sister), Kelly & Terri (Sister) Lemos and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Billie touched the lives of many through her participation in sports, teaching, and coaching. As an athlete she participated in a variety of sports. She notably played women’s fast pitch softball for Topeka Ohse Meats where she left to compete with the Raybestos Brackettes, one of the leading teams in the nation.
After leaving teaching, Billie began her coaching career in women’s college basketball. She coached at Cal State Fullerton from 1969-1977, where she led the team to an AIAW National Championship title. She then coached at UCLA from 1977 to 1993, where they won an AIAW National Championship title. Not only was she a successful college coach, she was the assistant coach for the USA Pan American games and the World University games. In 1976, she was the first USA Women’s Olympic Basketball coach bringing home a silver medal. She was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, the UCLA Hall of Fame, and Washburn University Hall of Fame. To many, Billie was considered a pioneer in women’s basketball. Through these experiences Billie gained close relationships with players and coaches and considered many as family.
Billie loved the game of golf and even on the golf course would coach. She was continuously helping those who were near her with tips to improve their game.
Billie was uncompromising on the amount of effort needed to win. She was supportive and there for all. While coaching, teaching and playing, Billie never lost sight of the importance of friends and family.
Memorial Service will be held at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton, KS on February 4, 2023. There will be a family greeting from Noon to 1:00 pm followed by the services starting at 1:00PM. Inurnment at Holton Cemetery will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to.
Pat Summitt Foundation
520 Summitt Hill Drive
Suite 1101
Knoxville, TN 37902
www.patsummitt.org/donate
