Billie Elizabeth Cahill (nee Rogers) passed away in Torrance, California, March 24.
Billie, known to family and friends as Billie Beth, was born September 4, 1932, in Franklinton (Washington Parish), Louisiana. Billie was predeceased by her husband of 37 years, Ronald Benjamin Cahill March 21, 1996. Together they shared a blended family of three children.
A San Pedro resident for many decades, Billie was raised in the small rural community of Franklinton, Louisiana gaining a strong work ethic through dairy farming, teamwork from being one of the many basketball stars at Franklinton High School, and demonstrative strength that only faith in God can provide, instilled by her mother and a large part of the community.
Upon reaching an employable age she worked at Rutter Rex, a clothing manufacture that was a support to the USA military efforts during the Korean War. During this time, she also partnered in a dairy business of her own, as well as a gas station that not only did auto repairs but served as a ticketing agent for passengers wanting to travel the Greyhound Bus Lines.
When the Korean War broke out, she moved to San Francisco with her first husband who was in the Navy, stationed there at the time. Living in the metropolis was an awakening for the small-town girl to experience culture, new sights, and sounds. It quenched her thirst for excitement she had never known, and it settled well with her adventurous soul.
While residing in the City she worked at Clinton's Cafeteria, located at 1059 Market Street, which put her right in the middle of the excitement. Serving diners opened her world to diverse conversation enlightening her curious nature and dreams of adventure. As the war ended, she knew she would return to the small rural town atmosphere, but vowed she would someday return to the Golden State of California. She later moved to New Orleans where she worked for Gordon Brothers Jewelers on Canal Street and met her second husband, manager Ronald Cahill. When Ron transferred to another store in Mobile, Alabama she joined him. In 1959 they moved to California and Ron worked for Burke's Jewelers in San Pedro. Eventually they were able to purchase the business that became the original "Ron's Jewelers" located at 469 West 6th Street, in the heart of historic downtown San Pedro. Billie worked side by side with her husband and continued her commitment when he passed away. After decades the business closed in 2016 due to a fire. Two of her children carried on the family tradition and opened satellite stores independently owned.
Billie loved her family, travel, was a loyal Los Angeles Lakers fan with her husband who was a member of the San Pedro Elks Lodge. She enjoyed her frequent return visits to Franklinton, attending her home church Lawrence's Creek, where she was baptized, and eventually acquired the family homestead which she retained until her passing.
Predeceased in death by her parents, Murl Andrew Rogers and Lois "Ella" (Taylor) Rogers, and her younger sister Lillie Merle (Rogers) Hamilton. She is survived by her children James Andrew James, Lisa Beth (Cahill) Taghavi (Saeid), and Marc Cahill (Ashley); five grandchildren Marcus Alexander Cahill, Ian Andrew James, Trisha Danielle (Cahill) Soto (Richard), Matthew Andrew James (Sarah) and Sarah Elizabeth Taghavi, as well as five great-grandchildren Sicily James, Jorden Cahill, Raymond Jimenez, Milo and Jasper James. She is also survived by her sisters, Willie Mae McElveen, and Lois "Ladonic" Sharp, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews, most of whom reside in Franklinton, Louisiana and its surrounding communities.
A Celebration of Life was held at Green Hills Memorial Park (GHMP), on April 12, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. and her interment immediately followed.
