Billie Jean Short

Billie Jean Short, 90, of Dell, widow of Mr. Will Arthur “WA” Short, passed from this life Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023, at the Manila Nursing Center. Born in Tyler, Mo., she was the daughter of the late Wyler and Elsie May Battles Laster and had been a resident of Dell since 1960. Billie was a retired caregiver having worked with professional Home Health of Blytheville for over 30 years, retiring in 2013 at the age of 80. She had also been a former employee of Dell High School and had worked in the school cafeteria. She was a longtime member of the former Crossroads Baptist Church and was presently a member of Lone Oak Baptist Church near Blytheville. Billie enjoyed gardening and working in the yard. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by one son, Roland Laster; three brothers, JB Laster, Jack Laster and Gene Laster; as well as one sister, Debbie Laster.

Survivors include three sons, Will Short (Susan) of Gosnell, Roger Short of Dell and John Short (Duffey) of Manila; one brother, Jerry Laster of Kennett, Mo.; one sister, Diane Taylor of Hayti, Mo.; She also leaves six grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 13, at the Howard Funeral Service Chapel in Manila with Rev. Mitchell King officiating. Burial will follow in the Manila Cemetery. The family will receive visitors Friday morning from 10 until service time. Friends may sign the online guest register at www.HowardFuneralService.com