Billie Mae (Lee) Donahue

Billie Mae Donahue passed away at home on July 30,2026 from end stage kidney failure.

Billie was born at home on January 19,1945 in Paris, Arkansas.  She began her life in a beautiful small, rural town fishing, running through pastures, playing with the cows and chickens and riding her horse bareback.  She fulfilled her dream of becoming a nurse and worked as a med surg nurse before finding her passion as an OR Nurse.

Billie is predeceased by her parents Eoline and William Lee, her brother Laney Lee, her sister Wyonna Burns, her niece Molly Burns, her beloved nephew Dusty Lee and her great nephews Dawson and Caleb.

She is survived by her brother James Ray Lee and his wife Nina, her so loved nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, her great-great nieces, great-great nephews and her sister-in-law Janice Joyce.

She leaves behind her devoted husband of 47 years, James “Jay” Donahue, her son Rodney Dorrough, her daughter Michelle Dorrough and her wife Sharon Jones; her stepson Jeff Donahue and his wife Tina; her Grandchildren Jared Steeves, Shawn, Oliva and Brynne Donahue and her Grand pup Brody; her BFF’s Judy Johnson and Kay Capone, her many friends from Port Norfolk Yacht club and her many coworker friends.

The family would like to thank Compassionate Care Hospice nurses for their kindness and true caring for Mom.

We would like to extend our heartfelt appreciate to Susan, from Comfort Keepers.  Susan has been Mom’s care giver, aide and friend who has been by her side.  You have been a blessing to us all.

There are no words to convey how much she will be missed.  We will try to carry on with her love of music, good food, great friends and laughter.

Family and friends are cordially invited to gather and share memories with Billie's Family on Wednesday, August 5th from 4-7pm in the Barile - Cota Family Funeral Home, 335 Park Street (corner of Park Street and RT 28), North Reading, at Reading line.

Family and friends are cordially invited to attend a Funeral Service Celebrating Billie's Eternal Life on Thursday, August 6th at 11am in the Funeral Home.  Interment Riverside Cemetery, North Reading.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations in Billie's memory to The National Kidney Foundation by referring to the link below.