Billie Mae Tomlinson Myler

Billie Myler, educator, died on May 7th, 2024 of dementia at Paul Spring Community in Alexandria, VA. Mrs. Myler was born Billie Mae Tomlinson in 1933 in Norfolk, Va to Joseph Franklin Tomlinson and Elsie Mae Wicks Tomlinson. Her father worked for VEPCO Power. Her mother died when Billie was just five years old, from complications during the birth of Billie's younger brother. Her father decided to ask a good friend/neighbor to raise his young daughter and six-day-old son. The children were raised right across the field, in the home of Susie (MamaLee) and her husband "Honey." Billie loved growing up a country girl, living in Norfolk. She recalls learning to drive a tractor at the age of 10, and getting it very stuck in the mud. It took weeks for it to dry out and for her family to dig it out! Billie graduated high school and graduated from Longwood College, where she studied elementary education. She graduated from University of Virginia in 1955 with a Master's Degree in Education. After graduation she moved to Germany (1959-1961) where she taught American children and enjoyed traveling to 14 other countries in her free time. She became homesick and returned home to care for her aging father. After he passed, she moved to Northern Virginia, where she began teaching. She taught fourth grade at Hollin Hills Elementary, the same building that is now Paul Spring. While working as a teacher, she met Richard "Dickie" Myler, also a teacher. She recalled him helping her with her car and then inviting her for a cup of tea. They talked for hours and hours. Dickie asked where he could see her again, and Billie mentioned attending Aldersgate United Methodist Church, so Dickie soon began attending services with her. The two married in Norfolk, on November 30th, 1963. She worked as a teacher for 32 years before retiring in 1989. Billie and Dickie had no children, but had very close relationships with neighbors in their neighborhood. They met their closest friend, who is much like an adopted son to them, Chet, when he was working at the Safeway in Belleview. He has remained a very close friend throughout their lives. Her hero and person she was most proud of in life is her baby brother. Billie loved sewing, Chinese checkers, classic comedies, dancing, and singing. In her later years, she volunteered collecting goods for a needy shelter and was passionate about it. Her brother, Melvin Tomlinson (Lynda) of Idaho, survives her along with her two nieces, Dede Herron and Treena O'Connor (Ed). In December 2023, Mrs. Myler was presented with an award for Excellence in Teaching by Superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools, Dr. Michelle Reid. Donations can be made in her honor to Rising Hope Church in Alexandria, Virginia. A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, May 21st at 11:00am at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 1301 Collingwood Rd, Alexandria, VA.