Billie Jean Elam

Billie Jean Elam

Billie Jean (O'Neal) Elam passed away at her home on Saturday morning, June 27, 2026, at the age of 94. She was born in Big Spring, Texas, March 18, 1932, to William U. O'Neal and Velma O'Neal. She rode the train from Big Spring to Denton, Texas, where she received her teaching degree from North Texas State College. Her first teaching assignment was in Seminole, Texas, where she met Dayton Elam. They were married on June 6, 1953. They raised two sons, Paul and Shelby, and enjoyed 60 years together.

Billie was an accomplished pianist, playing for weddings beginning at the age of 14. She played the piano and organ at the Methodist Church in Seminole for many years. She was very active in the Federated Music Club for a number of years.

In addition to being a school teacher, she was a farm and ranch wife. She stood in dusty cow lots, vaccinated many calves, and made a hand horseback. All these were done with elegance and usually, a good attitude.

Billie was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Dayton.

She is survived by her son, Paul Elam and wife, Ann, and son Shelby Elam and wife, Angie, all of Seminole. She is also survived by her granddaughters, Jaedee Johnson and husband, Kinzie of Lubbock, Texas, and Rylee Lutes and husband, Chandler of Amarillo, Texas, and great grandchildren, Lee and Allison Johnson and Skyler and Tatum Lutes. These were all very special to her.

Visitation will be held Monday, June 29, 2026, at Ratliff Funeral Home from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Family burial will be held at Gaines County Cemetery. Memorial services will be held Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 11:00a.m. at Wesleyan Grace Church in Seminole, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice or to

Donate Life Texas 

c/o Texas Organ Sharing Alliance 

5051 Hamilton Wolfe Rd.

San Antonio, TX 78229-4455