I remember Mrs. Billingsley from her smile and always being kind. James, I just wanted to pass on my sympathy to you and your family. Your mom will be missed by those of us who knew her.

Sincere condolences from long time friends and neighbors in Van Horn,TX

My condolences to the family...people very dear to my heart. You are in my thoughts and prayers. 
With love, 
Jackie

Although I'm not related, please accept my condolences on the loss of your loved one. My heart goes out to those who are hurting and so I'd loved to share a few biblical thoughts for your extended family. A scripture that appeals to me is 2 Corinthians 1:3,4 along with Psalms 34:18. These scriptures show how Jehovah God is the Father of all mercies and comfort, and that He is near those who are broken and crushed in spirit. Knowing that you won't be able to talk, laugh or hold them again is very painful, but the Bible assures us that in the near future you'll be reunited with them again. John 5:21,28,29 And Revelation 21:1-4 tells us that the pangs of death and mourning will be done away with. I can only hope that these scriptures helped you and that you can take some "time" to reflect on them. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 Again, my thoughts and sympathies are with you all. Sincerely Mrs. Leija

Mary Louise was a bright spot in our class on Sunday mornings in Westover Hills. I remember her beautiful servant-heart and the delicious homemade cookies and treats she would furnish for all of us. When the move to Dripping Springs for church became final, both of you were missed greatly. When devasting illness struck my heart grieved along with yours... Heavens best, Mary Lou! God's magnificent arms of comfort and blessing, Ed... With much Love, Dottie Roberts

The Billingsley's always made me feel as though I were one of their own while I was growing up in Van Horn. I can close my eyes and still imagine the taste of oatmeal cookies Mrs. B would make for the guys. I remember how proud the Billingsley's were of their children Margie and James. I was envious of the relationship this family had with each other. What a fun group to be around! 
I was devestated when I learned I would not be able to attend the funeral. Please know that my thoughts are with each and everyone of you. I hope Mrs. B would be proud of me, the daddy and husband I have become. Our house often reverberates with love and laughter, much the way the Billingsley home did in Van Horn. 
Mr. B, I cannot imagine the pain, yet relief you must be feeling. You are a strong man. Strong of faith and heart. We know that Mary Louise was a pillar that made you strong. May that support continue for you to assist you with your grief. 
James, please know how much respect I have for your mother, of you and your family. Too often times, words are left unsaid or meetings postponed-never knowing what tomorrow will bring. Life is way to short. A sad realization I often reminded of in my job. Please stay in touch with me. I am so anxious to meet your family. I am anxious to sit and catch up on each other's lives. Even though we have not seen each other in a very long time, and both of us have had life changes, you are a significant part of my life. Our friendship helped mold others for me. Your humor has helped me be the person I am, and sometimes be reminded of stupid stuff we did or talked about when we were a little younger. 
What an honor it has been to know this family. To know Mrs. B. To have loved this Yellow Rose of Texas. May peace follow you, knowing the legacy you have left behind, not only with your own family, but others in so many little ways. Love, 
Greg

I only knew Mary Louise for a short time after she had been sick for several months and was bedridden. I enjoyed reading to Mary Louise. My favorite memory of her is from a time when I was reading book to her. I think we were both feeling silly that day and I was doing voices for the different parts. The book had some funny bits in it, and Mary Louise started laughing so hard. I could not help thinking, this lady is so sick, yet she is still able to laugh like this. It was a wonderful blessing for us both.

Dear Ed, I just wanted you to know that I admire you and Mary Louise for all you both accomplished during your 49 years together. Even in sorrow and pain, God saw that you both love Him and is going to welcome both of you into His Heavenly Kingdom as faithful servants. All of us join with you in your sorrow of Mary Louise leaving, but gladness that she is relieved of her suffering and your suffering with her. Both of you have left a legacy of pure love for each other, worthy of emulation. Love, your brother, Craig

Ed, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family. Lou was such a sweet person, devoted wife,and a faithful follower of Christ. She made this world a better place. Grace and peace be to you and your family as you grieve Lou's departure but celebrate her freedom from the pain and struggle of this life. We love you. Tim & Judy Spencer

I am looking at your beautiful photo and thinking how beautiful you are, inside and out. You left us too, too soon. I am dreadfully sorry you had to suffer so long and hard. Stephan and I prayed many a prayer in yours and Edward's behalf. I remember and appreciate our intermittent closeness from our teenage years onward. You always had my total admiration. What a beautiful and unique home you made for your family. What a long lasting and contented marriage. It is at times like this that I am sorry that I am in Switzerland. How I would love to be at your memorial. I know it will be a heartwarming sendoff. Rest assured that we are not too far behind and will see you soon in a more glorious form than we can here imagine. And that is the best thing about our friendship, that we always shared a strong faith in our precious savior. He helped you make a difference in many lives. I want to always remember our friendship and love.

What wonderful memories I have of Mary Louise so many years ago... and as recently as our last reunion. May God bless you, Ed, and your family as you discern God's love and wisdom. Only someone who has the faith you exhibit, can understand God's timing and will in her life these last few years. May your memories of Mary Louise help you as you grow to finding new ways to serve our Lord, and His peace reign in your heart, now and forever. Craig and Mary Bell

We knew Mary Lou only briefly through the Westover Hills congregation in Austin. Mary Lou was a bright and cheerful spirit who touched all who met her. May God wrap His wings of love and comfort around Ed, the family and all who will miss her greatly now and in the days ahead.

Ed: Please accept our condolences for your loss. All of us were fortunate to have had you and Mary Louise as our neighbors. May God keep her always and extend to you and your family his grace and comfort in this time of sorrow.

We were so sorry to read of your loss. May the Lord comfort and strengthen you in your grief.

I remember the younger days when I was a 16 yr old in the summer of 1963 when Mary Louise and Ed drove in their brand new '63 Ford Falcon bringing Mary Lou's young brother, Ray Harvey, and me to the Manck Ranch in Henderson, Texas. I got a real education on the basics of ranching. Ed showed me the principles of breeding with Hereford cattle showing me that awesome bull, Prince, and watching the bull's amorous attempts with a heiferand shown how a vet extracted a stillborn calf, and I was given the task of burying it. The thing that Mary Louise kept in her memory about that summer was her trying to keep a tight budget on the food pantry. She had now to deal with two hungry teenagers who were bent on overloading that budget. She cited a example of me eating vanilla oreo cookies which I love to eat. She asked if there is anything I did not like to eat, I said, "those chocolate oreos". So she bought plenty of chocolote oreos, and lo, and behold, she catches me eating them like a cookie monster. Said she, "I thought you said you didn't like chocolate oreos!" Said I, 
"I don't" munching the oreos away. Us teenagers are hard to understand. Mary Louise was a tremendous homemaker and wife, a true help-meet for Ed, cared for her two precious children through the tough years. She pushed Ed through San Antonio College and Texas A&M University and received a PhT push husband through certificate for her efforts. She was a secretary at the Loper Mortgage Company, librarian at Texas A&M, and finally a postal service clerk for 20 plus years. Vera remembers vividly when riding with Ed and Mary Louise in the car that they would sing together Christian hymns while driving. Vera and I also remember Mary Louise's making time to sew a dress for our daughter, Erin while in Van Horn, Texas. Mary Louise made so many positive memories for us, sharing practical advice to us when we were struggling over there in Van Horn. To this day, Vera makes a stew that Mary Louise taught her and we call it "Aunt Mary's stew". We are going to truly miss her in the coming years. One song keeps coming to us remembering Mary Louise, "When we walk with the the Lord, In the light of His word, What a glory He sheds on our Way..." Thanks for the memories, Mary Louise, We love you very much. January 23, 2004.

Dear Ed and Family, 
How saddened we were to hear of your loss. Wish we could be there in person to express our heartfelt condolences, 
but please know that our hearts and prayers will be with you. 
We know you can find comfort in knowing 
that she loved you all so much and you have showed so much love and cared for her so faithfully in the last months of her life. May God Bless You,

OBITUARY

Mary Louise Billingsley

May 8, 1938 – January 21, 2004

Porter Loring Mortuary - McCullough

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