Billy Sothern's memorial and family support

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Billy's passing. Billy was a beloved father, husband, son, brother, friend, colleague, and advocate. He was a rare individual: devoted to his girls, generous to all, compassionate, loyal and caring. We are all the better for knowing and loving Billy – he enriched our lives.

Billy’s professional impact is incalculable. For over 20 years, he represented individuals facing the death penalty and other criminal charges. He changed the lives of many in a profound way. His work, and his commitment to it, was fundamental to who he was as a person and how he moved through the world.

Despite the heaviness of his work, he managed to seek out and share with us the quieter, beautiful moments of life: a moving poem, a leisurely meal with lots of laughter, a great record, a stirring image, an absurd and funny story. He loved masking on Mardi Gras Day with his girls, introducing them to mind-expanding books and films, and baking biscuits for them on weekend mornings in the meandering Garden District home where he and Nikki lived for the better part of two decades. We will all feel his loss keenly.

We are asking for assistance for the costs associated with the memorial and general family support. As Billy would have wanted, the memorial will be a gathering of all who knew and loved him, and that will be a lot of us. All funds remaining will go toward the support of his daughters and family.

The memorial will be held on Sunday, November 6th, in New Orleans, at the Hotel Peter and Paul church, 2317 Burgundy Street. Time TBD.