Billie Louise Houston was born in Lehman, Texas, on November 24, 1927, to Lucile Darnell Yeary and Carl William Yeary. She grew up in San Angelo, where she met and married the love of her life, M. H. Houston. On August 23, 2025, she passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus.
Billie and M.H. raised their three children Carlene (Glenn) Havel, George Michael (Irma) Houston, and Robert (Fran) Houston plus two adopted sons, Barry (Michele) Houston and Brian Houston.
She dropped out of school to marry before her husband went away to fight WWII. In her forties, Billie decided to get her GED. Afterwards, she went on to earn an associate degree from SAC, then her B.A., Masters, and several teaching certifications from UTSA. At 51, Billie went in search of her first paid job and found it teaching special needs middle school students at Southwest Middle School. After she retired from teaching, Billie concentrated on her writing, a pursuit that continued until her death. Her poetry won numerous awards. Several of her novels are still in print.
Their youngest child was still at home when Billie and her husband assumed caring for her parents. By the time her father passed away at the age of 99, M.H. was showing signs of Alzheimer’s that eventually took his life. Her husband’s death marked the end of Billie’s seventy-one continuous years as a caregiver. About that time, Billie rededicated herself to the Christian faith she embraced as a young woman.
Billie is survived by six grandchildren (Charlie, Robert Jr, Stephanie, Kori, Cody, and Dylan) and four great-grandchildren (Onika, Owen, Canon, and Piper).
The family is grateful to Elara Caring Hospice, Springhill Residential Care Home, and the Fellowship of San Antonio for their kindness to Billie during her final years. Donations in Billie’s memory may be made to her church, the Fellowship of San Antonio, 23755 Canyon Golf, San Antonio, TX 78258. A celebration of life memorial service for Billie will take place at her church.
