Necko “Billie Jo” Mears, 57, of Burlington, IA and formerly of Ft. Madison, IA, passed away on Sunday, June 29, 2025 at 6:40 PM at the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in Ft. Madison.
She was born on May 6, 1968 in Ft. Madison to Donald and Carolyn Hamilton Cook. Billie Jo married Thomas Lowary and they later divorced. She then married Robert Mears on August 11, 2011 in Ft. Madison. She was currently employed by Veridian and was a home health care provider for handicapped people. Billie Jo enjoyed spending time watching the river, going on motorcycle rides, listening to music and was an avid shopper. She had a heart of gold and helped anyone in need. Most of all she loved spending time with her family.
Survivors include her husband, Robert Mears of Burlington; a son, Brandon Lowery of Wisconsin; her mother, Carolyn Barnes of Ft. Madison; two stepdaughters, Katie Locke and Kristi Anderson of Galesburg; six grandchildren; her beloved dogs, Harley, Peanut, Chase and Nena and step siblings, Maureen, Gayle, Marie, Carolyn, Janice, Paula, Dennis, Ernest, James and Myron.
She was preceded in death by her father and stepfather, Jim Barnes and two step siblings, Byron and Jerry.
The funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Monday, July 7, 2025 at King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory. The family will meet with friends from 10-11 AM just prior to the service. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery.
A memorial has been established for PAW Animal Shelter and online condolences may be left at www.kinglynk.com.
