Margaret Corliss "Billie" Railton

Mrs. Margaret Corliss "Billie" Railton, age 95 years, of Jefferson City, Mo., died Friday, June 17, 2011, at her home. Billie was born August 12, 1915, in Pittsburgh, Pa., the daughter of Robert E. and Clara Sparks Corliss. After the death of her father, her mother remarried and Billie took her stepfather's last name, Sigafoo. On April 7, 1957, in Tulsa, Okla., she married Frank Railton, who preceded her in death on July 31, 1992. Billie was a resident of the Jefferson City area since 1945. Before her marriage, she was the Youth Director in the First Presbyterian Church in Jefferson City, Mo., and the Presbyterian Churches in Casper, Wyo., and Tulsa, Okla. She was a well known and highly regarded public speaker. She was frequently called upon to speak at many state convention meetings of various educational-religious and civic groups meeting in Jefferson City and surrounding states. Not only was Billie noted for her inspirational talks but she also did book reviews, both serious and humorous ones. Perhaps she was most noted for the presentations of special programs at Christmas and Easter and she was much sought after by various groups to give programs. For several years, in the weeks preceding Christmas and Easter, she presented a daily radio program of original meditations. In addition to her public speaking, Billie was an active civic and church worker. She served as the first Volunteer Service Chairman of Memorial Community Hospital, and also served as President of the Hospital Auxiliary. Billie was extremely generous with her time and resources, making major donations to the Miller Performing Arts Center and funding the Railton Teacher of the Year though the Jefferson City Public Schools Foundation. For many years, she taught a Bible Study group at the First Presbyterian Church of which she was a member. She received an Honorary Lifetime Membership in the Presbyterian Women and was elected a "Woman of Distinction" in the Presbyterian Church. In 1968, Billie was elected a Woman of Achievement in Jefferson City. She was a member of the Chapter BW, P.E.O. and a member of the Century Study Club. Billie was also the author of several Lenten Meditations which have been published in magazines of national distinction. She was also the author of "Bible Portraits" which she frequently presented to groups here and other state meetings of Presbyterian and other denominations. In 2003, she published the book "As We Were", self portraits of Biblical characters. Survivors include: one sister, Nancy Vaughan and her husband Trevor William of Pittsburg, Pa.; several nieces and nephews including Nonie Knaus, Trevor William Vaughan III, and Mark Graham Vaughan; and several great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and one brother, Lloyd Sigafoo. Visitation will be at Freeman Mortuary from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 22, 2011. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, June 23, 2011, at the First Presbyterian Church with the Reverend Dr. Robert Erickson officiating. Interment will be at Riverview Cemetery. Those desiring may make memorials contributions to the First Presbyterian Church. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com