Billie Wood (Willie Mae), 94, left this earth surrounded by family to go be with our Father on Tuesday, April 1, 2014. She was born on June 17 in a log cabin in May, TX, during the midst of the Great Flu epidemic that swept the nation 3 times in 1919, leaving up to 55 million people dead. When the doctor arrived 3 days later, Billie weighed 2 1/2lbs. Her mother, Annie Lee Saunders Smith, had the flu that was circulating so Billie was laid upon a pillow away from her momma so as not to catch it. Her father Edgar Causey Smith and sisters would put her in a shoe box and set her close to the fire burning stove to stay warm. The Doctor never thought Billie or her mother would survive so they never even filled out a birth certificate for the little baby weighing 2 1/2 lbs. Billie did survive, as did her mother.
Billie’s lineage goes back to General Stonewall Jackson and President Andrew Jackson.
She married Raymond Evans Wood in Roby, TX on October 18, 1937. Billie and Raymond farmed and ranched in Sylvester and Sweetwater, TX. In 1950, they moved and settled in Midland, TX to continue farming. She enjoyed sewing and made many clothes for herself, grandchildren and great granddaughter. She tried her hand at all crafts and made many crocheted blankets to pass down to her great grandchildren which are deeply treasured. Billie went to work at J.C. Penny and eventually retired from there. Later in life she enjoyed collecting dolls, and had close to a couple hundred.
Billie was preceded in death by her parents; her sister Lorena Pursley; her husband Raymond; and her two nieces Francis Haynes, and Pat Morris.
She is survived by her only child, Wayland Lee Wood and wife Eloise; sister Dorothy White; granddaughters, Stacy Yadon, Teresa Garrett and husband Mark, Ellen Roberts, Suette Green and husband Pat; grandsons, Leland Wood and wife Angel, Danny Roberts and wife Carol; seven great grandchildren; Kristen Yadon, Chase Yadon and wife Jessica, Tyler and Colten Garrett, Raney, Kason and Cody Wood. Also five great great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held on Friday, April 4, 2014 at Ellis Funeral home from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. The funeral service will be held at Ellis Funeral Home on Saturday, April 5, 2014 at 11:00am with pastor Mike Hanks officiating.
She loved her only son, and he loved and adored her. She was a Good Momma, also an awesome “Mama” and deeply cherished.
Arrangements are under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be offered at www.ellisfunerals.com.
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