Billie Margaret Babb, age 93, passed away on Wednesday, July 27, 2011, in Dallas, TX. She was born July 14, 1918 in Sherman, Texas, the daughter of Earl Larimore and Thelma May Eatherly Odneal. She lived with loving grandparents after her mother died when Billie was five. Her grandfather, Claud Eatherly fostered her love of politics. She married Ralph W. Babb and moved to Springfield in 1955. Billie worked her way up through the Democratic Central Committee, serving as secretary and vice-chair before being persuaded by a group of supporters to run for chair in 1978. She served as chair of the Democratic Party of Greene County for the next six years and later served another two-year term starting in 1992. Her list of contributions and accomplishments include serving as Jackson Day chairman, a delegate to the Democratic national convention that nominated Jimmy Carter, membership on the national Democratic platform committee, a member of the electoral college, secretary of the Greene County Women's Democratic Club, president of the FDR Women's Democratic Club, president of the 7th District Women's Democratic Club, and listing in Who's Who of American Politics. She proudly liked to refer to herself as "Ms. Democrat". Billie was also the recipient of the Howard Hannah Award and in 1993 she was named Missouri Woman of the Year. Billie's contributions are not limited to politics. She served as president of both Pershing and Glendale PTA's, the Missouri Congress of Parents and Teachers board, headed a committee for the Women's Division of the Chamber of commerce and has been involved with the March of Dimes, the American Cancer Society and many others. She is survived by her son, Ralph W. Babb, Jr. and wife, Barbara, of Dallas. Two grandchildren, Dana McGowan and husband, Greg, of Dallas, Derek Babb and wife, Jessica, of San Francisco; and six great grandchildren. Billie had many relatives, all of whom she loved. Five half- brothers and sisters, and many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Billie M. Babb to Hospice Plus and mailed to 3100 McKinnon St., Suite 200, Dallas, Texas 75201. Visitation will be held on Monday, August 1, 2011 from 5-7 p.m. at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. A private burial will be held at a later date.