Billie Jo Divis

Billie Jo Divis passed away on March 31st, 2026, in Roswell, NM. Her memorial service will be held at Tabernacle Baptist Church on Saturday, April 18th, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. On December 12th, 1936, the world met Billie Jo for the first time and was a brighter place for it. She was born to Alvin & Floree Burton of Roswell. Later, her family would move to Cimarron NM where they managed the Philmont Scout Ranch. There she would spend her time working the ranch, taking care of livestock and buffalo and riding horses. Being a quarter Cherokee, it came natural to her to love the animals and wide-open spaces. While living up North she attended and graduated from Cimarron High School in Cimarron, NM. Life would eventually bring her back home to Roswell where she crossed paths with a Nebraskan born flyboy, who after dating for a year, finally mustered the courage to ask for her hand. She married Stanley Divis on December 29th, 1972, in Roswell, NM. For the next 53 years they would raise children, embark on adventures and show those around them what love looks like. Billie Jo was always busy. She was a born again Christian and a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church. She participated in the Roswell Pink Lady Auxiliary and Roswell Assistance League. Early in life she worked at White Sands Missile Range and held top security clearance while employed. Billie then started her banking career at Security National Bank as a bookkeeper in 1963 while at night she took college classes to further her education. While working at the bank she started and managed six bank branches and retired as the Vice President of Sunwest Bank after 34 years of faithful service. After retirement her and Stan, who at the time was a private pilot for Anderson Oil Company, traveled all over the United States with Stan’s employer. She especially enjoyed their many trips over the past 48 years to Nebraska visiting the Divis family reunion. Later in life she was kept even busier by her many grandchildren and great grandchildren, who she loved dearly. Billie Jo was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and wonderful person all around. She was and will always be a daughter of the most high God. We will see her again someday in the presence of Jesus Christ. Until then, she will always be cherished and very deeply missed by all her family and friends. She is survived by her loving husband, Stan Divis. Her brother Larry. Her son, Lee Sappington and spouse Jackie Sappington, their daughter Shelby Forchtner and spouse Joe Forchtner and their children, Macy, James, and Bentley. Travis’s son, Matthew Sappington. Her daughter, Jeri Key and spouse Gary Key and their three sons and families; Cody Key, and spouse, Sommer Key and their children, Kayden and Raylee; Clinton Key, and spouse, Kim Key and their children Rylan and Dayton; Casey Key, and spouse, Heidi Key and their children Nathan and Logan. Preceded in death by her grandson Travis Sappington. Her parents, two brothers, and a sister. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Tabernacle Baptist Church or Generations of Learning in her honor.

Billie Jo Divis

December 12, 1936 - March 31, 2026