Billie J Semanchick

Billie J. Semanchick, 80, of Long Beach, died Monday, August 4, 2014. She was born in Cleaton, KY, earned a B.A. from St. Mary’s Dominican College and received her Master’s Degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. She taught early childhood and elementary Special Education for 24 years in New Orleans, LA, working for the Head Start Program and Jefferson County Public School System. Mrs. Semanchick was passionate about her work and garnered multiple awards of excellence. A dedicated member of the Long Beach Democratic Committee, she participated in numerous voter registration drives. After retirement she did volunteer work with special education preschoolers along the Coast of MS. After Hurricane Katrina she prepared, cooked and delivered meals to the MS National Guard servicemen. She was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Sarah Smith; her husband, J. Basil Semanchick; and sons, David and Storm Kerr. She is survived by her brother, Douglas Smith and sister-in-law, Sharon Smith of Hammond, IN; her son, Rex Kerr and daughter-in-law, Kris Harmon of Atlanta, GA and nieces in Indiana and Washington. A fierce advocate for children with special needs, a wholehearted friend and neighbor, and a generous, loving mother, she will be dearly missed. There will be a gathering in memory of Mrs. Semanchick announced at a later date. Memorials may be made to one’s favorite charity in lieu of flowers. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport is in charge of arrangements. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com