Billye Wilson
Billye Wilson – daughter, sister, cousin, wife, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. All these but so much more.
Billye and Raymond were married almost 68 years and during that time they were seldom apart. In her later years Billye went with Bruce and girls to Arizona to see Billye’s sister, Gerde. Raymond stayed home to watch over things there. When they returned five or six days later, Raymond was waiting on the porch. He told her never again did he want her gone that long. Well… Billye didn’t leave him that long again but Raymond left Billye. Billye has grieved terribly this past year and a half since Raymond went home to Heaven. Her declining mental health made it difficult for her to remember that he had passed and she would question his absence. She might have forgotten where he was, but she never forgot Raymond. The love they shared was something that dementia never took away from her.
Dementia is a terrible disease. Your memory gradually fades away although it yo-yos back and forth at times. You forget today what you might remember tomorrow. With it comes declining motor function and wasting away of your body. Billye struggled with this disease for six or more years. Through it all she maintained her dignity and her sweet spirit.
Billye was a natural caregiver. She was always stuffing food down her boys and then later her grandchildren. There was usually some kind of cake or pie sitting on her counter when you went to visit. If there was any food left at dinner or at a holiday meal she would usually make plates for a neighbor or two and have someone take it to them, or, the neighbor might just happen to show up around dinner time. Until she and Raymond were unable to cook, Billye, and later Raymond, would cook breakfast every morning. They cooked for Bruce too since he checked in every morning. They loved him eating with them. Even in her last few months with her declining memory she would tell you to go to the kitchen and have some food. She had a few friends who like to visit in her younger years. One neighbor in particular would call her every day. Billye knew the neighbor was lonely. Even if she didn’t have time to take the call, it really didn’t matter. She made time because it was important.
Billye grew up in a small house with no running water or indoor bathroom. She wanted better for herself and her family and worked hard to make it happen. She and Raymond saved their entire lives. They were frugal with their money but rich in love for their family. Billye told her sons she wanted them to grow up in a house they would be proud of and have things she and Raymond didn’t.
Billye was a Christian who lived her faith. She was the church secretary at First Baptist in Quinton for over 30 years. Her boys grew up in church and she was adamant they go. It didn’t matter what time you got in on Saturday night (or Sunday morning). If you were living in her house you went to church.
She was an excellent bookkeeper. She kept the books for the family business for many years until she handed over the reins to her daughter-in-law. She did Lindell’s college accounting and would beg him to ask particular questions. He never would because he was afraid the teacher would discover he did not know enough to ask the questions.
Billye has mentioned there were three particular miracles she was so thankful for. Katelynn’s back surgery where she struggled for a bit, Lindell’s accident where he was burned and had to have skin grafting surgeries and Raymond’s accident in an 18-wheeler coming from Wilburton. The good Lord was gracious to all three and I know lots of prayers of thankfulness were uplifted to Heaven by her.
Billye was a modest and gracious lady. During the last years of her life she required 24 hours per day assistance. She was so appreciative of the help her caregivers gave her. She complimented them when they made food she especially liked and was always thankful for their help. Of course, she had days she might be in a bad mood (Don’t we all) but she would always say thank you when you did something for her, even when it got to the point she could only whisper it.
Some interesting bits of information about Billye.
She was an expert painter who did not require taping off a room in order to keep clean lines.
She loved playing hide-and-seek with her grandchildren, especially Blake, Ryan and Tyler. She had a hidey hole where they could never find her and she never gave it away. Even to this day they have no idea where grandma hid.
She and Raymond taught all their grandkids to play dominoes.
She did not like having her picture taken and would hide her face if she knew the camera was aimed at her.
She did not learn to drive until she was 25. She knew she needed to learn but she never enjoyed it.
She loved sweet things and preferred sweets to food.
She was teased at times with the nickname, “The Hatchet Woman.” (and was even given a hatchet.) If you had something to return, something defective, a problem - she would take care of it.
Billye was so proud of all her grandchildren and great grandchildren but she was particularly close to her granddaughters, perhaps because they lived next door to her. Even when she was nearing the end of her earthly journey, Katie and Liz could always coax a smile from her and she would tease them.
She will be missed greatly by her family. She was the matriarch of the family and we all have to step up to follow her example. Live simply, love richly, keep Christ in the center, care about people and be gracious.
The funeral service was held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021, at Quinton First Baptist Church with the Rev. C.B. Coplen III officiating. Eulogist was the Rev. Jeff Bengs. Pallbearers included Blake Wilson, Ryan Wilson, Tyler Wilson, Ron Manning, Duwayne Rouse, Aaron Manning, Robert Brown and Jake Brown.
Burial followed in Quinton Cemetery under the direction of King & Shearwood Funeral Home of Stigler.