Born April 10, 1933 in Conway, Arkansas to Joe and Willie Stephens, Billy Jean attended Sumner High School. After losing her twin sister, Betty Jean, in 1971, she raised her six children and her twin's six children as one family. She secured a position at the KCMO Social Security Administration Federal Building. In 1972, she married her soul mate, the late John Patton. Billy Jean enjoyed crocheting blankets and doll clothing, macramé and rug looming. Her favorite time of the year was Thanksgiving, as she would prepare weeks in advance for the Big Family Dinner. She loved to travel and play the slot machines in Las Vegas! She loved life and lived life for her family. Despite your age, everyone was expected to call and let her know you made it home safe and sound, ESPECIALLY in bad weather. She was the keeper of current events, school closings and weather reports. Billy Jean departed this life on May 2, 2017. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Patton; parents, Joe and Willie Stephens; stepmother, Zettie B. Stephens; son, Mack Hathaway III (Doris); sisters, Betty Jean Davis (William), Lurlee Anna Dean Campbell (Emmanuel) and Geneva A. Bailey (Charles); brothers, Arnett Stephens, Benjamin R. Stephens (Versey), and brother-in-law Othelious Johnson; stepsister, Rosa Boozer and stepbrother, Amzi Boozer. She leaves to cherish her memory: her children, Joseph Mark Hathaway, (Julia, forever daughter-in-law), Donald Russell Hathaway (fiancé Karen), Lord 'Ronald' Hathaway (LeRita Jody), William Virgil (Antoinette), and Amonda Rochel Carr (Todd); sister, Joyce F. Johnson; grandchildren, Joseph LaRon Coffee, Michelle Johnson (Johnny), Mack Hathaway IV, Joseph Hathaway II (Amelia), Candice Hathaway, Mylinda Hathaway, R-Jay Hathaway, William Hathaway, Jr. (Monica), Karlita Hathaway (Princeton), Christopher Carr, and Tiffany Carr; 21 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, and a host of nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be Saturday, May 13, 2:00 p.m. at Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors. Interment Leavenworth National Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1:00-2:00 p.m. at the chapel. Services conducted by Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors. Condolences may be shared on our website.