Willie Ann Bayer

On January 17th, 2025, Willie Ann Bayer of San Antonio, Texas, went to her eternal home at the age of 88 or as she would say 89 countin’ the time in the womb. Willie Ann Robertson was born as the youngest of fifteen on May 25th, 1936, in Gilmer, Texas, to parents James J. Robertson and Willie Beatrice Simpson. She was a proud resident of Texas, Indiana, Florida and California in her lifetime, but mostly proud of being an East Texan!

She was predeceased in death by her husband Rev. Robert Edward Bayer of nearly 70 years and fourteen beloved siblings. She is survived by her four daughters, Cheri Diana Bayer, Candace Antoinette Bayer, Camilla Anne English and Caroline Annette Bayer. One granddaughter; Christina Lauren Weldy, and three grandsons; William Garrison English, Alexander Paul English and Christian Oliver English.

Willie Ann proudly served in the ministry for over 75 years. Her ministry began at the tender age of 13 when she became the church pianist and soon after, at the age of 15, became a licensed minister with the United Pentecostal Church organization preaching local revivals. Her ministry continued alongside her husband Rev. Robert E. Bayer after their marriage in 1954. Their years of Evangelistic ministry included countless revivals, camp meetings and conferences nationwide and 3 pastorships; one in Lafayette, Indiana, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and Santa Barbara, California. They finished their ministerial journey until death at the Hope Center Church of San Antonio, Texas.

She loved poetry and music. Her gift from God allowed her to become an accomplished piano, organ, and accordion player. She later in life self-taught herself on the harp, guitar and ukulele as she had done earlier with the piano and accordion. Stored in the vault of her mind, her memory of lyrics and melodies rolled into the thousands, earning her the nickname of the “Walking Songbook”.

A Bible Scholar, Designer, Florist, Seamstress, Fashionista, Lover of the Word of God, Soul Seeker, Musician, Singer, Animal Activist, Mother, Minister, Pastor, Loyal Friend, Gift Giver, Encourager, Master Gardener, Perfectionist, Dreamer, Scrabble Master, Genius and True Super Star, so much that a star was named after her.

And what a sense of humor, shoot.

Her integrity and principles were paramount to none other, almost to a fault.

Her love for nature and flowers was well known. She would study the blooms of flowers, weeds, bushes and trees and would become so mesmerized by the glorious work of God in all the details. Like looking into the face of a Queen Anne’s Lace bloom and observing that at the center of all the white pedals there lies, almost beyond the naked eye, a minuscule single solitary purple pedal. She would gaze at the teeny tiny sugar ants at work and amaze at their ability to see and navigate in their small bodies. Then by taking extra care not to harm or displace them even though they were in the house! Always catching and releasing renegade bugs and saying, aww, it’s not gonna hurt you, how would you feel if a giant was standing over you?!

She loved Angels and was passionate about the second coming of the Lord as she shared her belief with all she encountered and spoke of keeping your eyes on Isreal and understanding the foretold prophecies of old.

She never met a stranger and was so thoughtful and merciful. She loved the unlovable, the unseen and unheard, the forgotten and the lost. She chose to always make a difference in the lives of others. Whether it was a stray animal, the homeless, the downtrodden or just a friend in need. She always grieved the pain of the mother whose child was suffering on the streets or in prison. She would say, “Don’t you know their mother is hurting”. Her daily prayer called on the angels to encamp about them and to protect and nourish them. To provide warmth, and shelter. And most of all for their soul to be saved. She finished her prayer by asking God “to save us all, and keep us until your coming”. Amen.

Some of her favorite quotes were, “I have a hard enough time pleasing God, let alone people”, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”, “No one person or creature ever asked to be born, so let’s be kind and care one for another to the end” and she would say, “There’s an old saying that goes like this…” and she would speak the saying with wisdom that applied to the topic at hand.

A parting note,

Dear Mother…. The Church, friends and family thank you for all your years of loyal service to the Lord, the unspeakable sacrifices, and all that you imparted on us girls. No one could ever fill your shoes or your spectacular presence. We lift you up to Heaven with love and prayers. I can’t wait to see your crown and all its splendor. I will search for you in Heaven, until we meet again.

Please view the live service through the link provided:

https://www.hopecenterchurch.com/hcc-live