Billie Smith Memorial and Wichita Women’s Chorale Endowed Scholarship

Mrs. Willetta L. Billie Smith was a resident of Conway Springs whose greatest passion in life was music. She taught at Curtis Junior High School in Wichita, where she helped nurture the talents of young boys and girls who aspired to do well in music. Mrs. Smith attended Wichita State University where she earned an undergraduate degree in Music Education and proceeded to pursue a master’s degree in the same field, with a concentration in choral music. She lost her life tragically in a road accident in 1987.

In Billie s honor, her parents, Helen and Bill Alley Jr., established the Billie Smith Memorial Scholarship in 1987. Several years later, in 1999, the Wichita Women s Chorale became defunct, and to continue their legacy, they gave their savings to WSU to sponsor a female student studying vocals. This led to the establishment of the Billie Smith Memorial and Wichita Women s Chorale Endowed Scholarship.