Billie Harlan Kerins passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 15th, 2026, in Centralia, Illinois. She was 78 years old. Billie was born on March 16th, 1947, in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, and is the daughter of Loyd and Dorthea (Phillips) Bradford.
Billie is survived by her husband, Richard “Dick” Kerins, who was her steadfast partner in life’s journey. She leaves behind her children, Jimmy (Barbie) Lockwood, Ty (Christy) Lockwood, and Kelli Bean, who were the light of her life. Billie was a cherished grandmother to James Lockwood, William (Lindsey) Lockwood, Braydon (Rachel) Lockwood, Lyndee (Mathew) Cardani, Walker Johnson, and Austin Johnson. Her great-grandchildren, Jalen Lockwood, Trysten Lockwood, Tinzley Lockwood, Harlann Lockwood, Hutton Lockwood, Remee Cardani, Ridge Cardani, Leighton See, Axell Johnson, Waylen Johnson, Treighton Sullens, and Ivy Johnson, will fondly remember her loving spirit and warmth.
Billie is also survived by her siblings, Loyd “Sunny” (Madlyn) Bradford, Johnny (Sharon) Bradford, Jason (Kathy) Bradford, Lousue Toney, Linda (Dennis) McKinley, Tracy Frassato, and Becky (Stan) Drennan, as well as several nieces and nephews who were close to her heart.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Loyd and Dorthea (Phillips) Bradford, her brothers David Bradford and Jackie Bradford, her grandchildren T.J. Lockwood and Bethany Nollman, her nephew Sunny Lee Bradford, and her brother-in-law, Sam Toney.
Billie lived a full life as a homemaker, dedicated to her family and her passions. She was known for her love of fishing, flower gardening, playing bingo, and enjoying the great outdoors. Billie cherished her time living on the lake, where she could be surrounded by nature and her beloved four-legged companions, Shadow and Diesel.
The family wishes to thank everyone for their love and support during this difficult time. A celebration of Billie’s life will be held at a later date, where friends and family can gather to honor her memory and share the joy she brought into their lives. Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home, located at 235 North Sycamore Street, Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, is honored to be of service to Billie’s Family. Online condolences may be made to the Family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Funeral Home Facebook page.
Billie’s legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. May she rest in peace, surrounded by the beauty of the flowers she tended and the joys of the lake she cherished.
