Billye Jean Sanders

October 11, 1943 – February 1, 2022

Billye Jean Sanders, 78, passed away peacefully at home in Fort Worth, Texas with her loving husband of 58 years, Thomas Sanders, by her side.

Billye was born October 11, 1943 in Houston, Texas. She was the daughter of Margie Waltz and George McKelvy. In 1962, Billye graduated as salutatorian from Bryant High School in Pineland, Texas. She attended Jarvis Christian College in Temple, Texas where she met the love of her life, Thomas Sanders. They were married on August 26, 1963 in a small ceremony in Pineland. The couple later welcomed two daughters.

Billye traveled extensively during her time as an Air Force wife moving a total of nine times. She was flexible and supportive…always striving to have a positive impact on each destination. She loved to stay active whether it was playing softball on traveling softball teams, bowling in competitive leagues or supporting her children by leading girl scout troops or assisting with their activities. One of her true passions was sewing. She loved taking a piece of fabric that was nothing and turning it into a garment that was not only useful, but also beautiful. Billye worked as a seamstress for over 20 years.

Billye will always be remembered for the desire to leave everything she touched a little better than how she found it. Whether it was flowers she was growing in her yard, food she was preparing in her kitchen, or interactions with family and friends, she poured her heart and soul into providing love and support while gently guiding towards success.

Billye was an incredible wife, mother, sister and friend. She loved her family fiercely and unconditionally. Her only dream was to watch them soar!

Billye was preceded in death by Charlie and Juanita Robinson (grandparents), Margie Waltz (mother), George McKelvy (father), Patricia Horne (sister) and Glenn McKelvy (brother).

She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Thomas Sanders of Fort Worth, Texas; two daughters: Virginia O’Neill (Ed); Felicia Buford (Swayzer) of Huntersville, NC; three grandchildren: Joshua Davis of Dallas, Texas, Justice Buford of Dallas, Texas, and Jade Buford of Atlanta, Georgia; six sisters: Juanita Crawford of RoSharon, Texas, Margie Mays of Jasper, Texas, Kayren Adams of Jasper, Texas, Chinita Waltz of Jasper, Texas; Cynthia McKelvy of Houston, Texas and Ensa McKelvy of Houston, Texas; four brothers: Elijah Waltz Jr of Jasper, Texas, Lawrence Waltz of Atlanta, Georgia, Danny Waltz of Aspermond, Texas and Clyde McKelvy of Killeen, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation for Billye will be held on Saturday, February 19, 2022 from 1-3pm immediately followed by a funeral service from 3-4pm at Laurel Land FH – Ft Worth, 7100 CROWLEY RD. FORT WORTH, TX 76134.

A burial service will occur Tuesday, February 22, 2022 from 9-10am at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery – 2000 MOUNTAIN CREEK PARKWAY, DALLAS, TX 75211.