Billie Jo Walker Gaskins

Billie Jo Walker Gaskins, age 75, of Venus, Florida went to rest and be with her Lord on December 18, 2013 in Lehigh Acres after a courageous 14 year battle with cancer. Billie Jo was born March 2, 1938 to the parents of James Thomas and Linnie Belle Kirby Walker in McMinnville, TN. She met and married the love of her life, Thomas Gaskins, Jr. on October 16, 1971 in Nashville, TN. She graduated from Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN. She worked for 20 years for Alico, first as an administrative assistant, finally working as a Corporate Secretary. Billie Jo was a member of Central Church of Christ for many years. Billie Jo never met a stranger; she always made a friend anywhere she went. Billie Jo leaves behind her loving husband of 42 years, Thomas Gaskins, Jr. of Venus, FL; two wonderful sons and their wives, Thomas Gaskins, III and his wife Jennifer of Labelle, FL and James Gaskins and his wife Elise of Lake Placid; six of the greatest, adorable loving grandchildren anyone could ask for, Sadie, Thomas, Walker, Summer, Lily Jo and Wesley; two brothers, James Morris Walker and Larry Thomas Walker both of McMinnville, TN; and a host of extended family and friends. Celebration of Billie Jo's life will be held Saturday, December 21, 2013 at 12:00 noon in Central Church of Christ of LaBelle, FL with Minister Steven Hildebrand officiating. Visitation will be Friday, December 20, 2013 from 6-8 p.m. in Akin-Davis Funeral Home, LaBelle, FL. Interment will take place in Oak Ridge Cemetery in Arcadia immediately following the celebration on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, Billie Jo's family has requested donations to the following charity organizations: Mt. Dora Christian Home 301 West 13th Avenue Mt. Dora, Florida 32757 Florida Cancer Specialist Foundation (FCS Foundation) 4371 Veronica S. Shoemaker, BLVD Fort Myers, Florida 33916 Hope Hospice -Development Office 9470 HealthPark Circle Fort Myers, Florida 33908 Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches, Inc. P.O. Box 2000 Boys Ranch, Florida 32064 Celebration Arrangements are being handled by Akin-Davis Funeral Home, LaBelle, FL.