Billye Carol Owens

Billye Carol Sanders Owens, 76, of Clifton, passed away recently. She won the good race and was united with our Lord and Savior in the early morning hours of Wednesday, December 18, 2024, fixed, made new, and free of Parkinson’s.

Billye Carol, the second of four siblings (older sister, Nancy, younger brother, Kenneth, and younger sister, Kathy), was born to the late Willie and Etha Lee Meyer Sanders, at Hillcrest Hospital in Waco on August 3, 1948. She lived with the family on the farm in Mosheim. She spoke often of the fond memories she made at Mosheim ISD, attending 1st -8 th grade. When the school consolidated with nearby Valley Mills, she attended 9th -12th grade. It was there she became to know and eventually fall in love with #35 on the football field, Dick. The high school sweethearts graduated from Valley Mills High School, Class of 1966. Never having been separated by more than a few miles--the distance between Mosheim and Owens Hill in Valley Mills was less than 8 miles—she and Dick sustained through homesickness and a deep ache for one another, while she studied in Stephenville and he in Bryan-College Station. In 1970, she earned her degree in Elementary Education from Tarleton State College, being recognized as Outstanding Student in the Education Department, and Dick finished up his Mechanical Engineering degree from Texas A&M, Class of 1970. GIG-EM! The two were joined as one, on June 20, 1970, in Holy Matrimony at Trinity Lutheran in Clifton. In 1974, they were blessed with the birth of a son, Steven Kyle, and in 1977, daughter Stacy Lee was born.

Gramma B was an extraordinary woman, a true 31st proverbial woman. She radiated Christlike love and service like a beacon. Her beauty reached far beyond her appearance; it emanated from her pure heart and gentle spirit. In addition to her remarkable kindness, Gramma B possessed an incredible physical strength, working as hard and long as any man, whether it be building fence, hauling rocks, spraying mesquite, chopping weeds with her ‘eye’ hoe, working cattle, or shredding the pastures on “little Fergie” making the place appear just as tidy as inside the house, which she kept immaculate, making it always appear with so little effort. She also was a skilled sewer, having repaired and mended many items, from britches to horse blankets, on her machine; her embroidery and cross-stitching work was always flawless.

Gramma B’s unwavering spiritual strength was grounded in her devotion to the Lord, knowing she had constant access to the “throne of grace”, through prayer, any time and from any place, having the promise that all may receive His mercy and grace. She was deeply committed to her family, dedicating herself wholeheartedly to her loved ones and community, showing a resilience that inspired everyone around her. Her love was unconditional; her kindness knew no limits. Gramma B was always there to lend a helping hand, offer a listening ear, and provide steadfast comfort and support.

In countless and generous ways, she contributed to the lives of others. Whether volunteering, giving to neighbors going through tough times, paying tuition for others to go to college, learn a trade, or attend a camp, she was always thinking of those in need.

While we mourn her loss, we find comfort in knowing she is now at peace, reunited with her loved ones, and enveloped in the loving embrace of our Savior.

Let us carry forward her memory by embodying the same love, compassion, and service she beautifully exemplified, along with the strength and devotion she displayed throughout her life.

Billye Carol was preceded in death by her beloved husband—her one and only true love—Richard “Dick” Steven Owens, June 13, 2014; her daddy and mother, Willie and Lee Sanders; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, O.O. and Doris Owens; a precious nephew, Baby Michael Broyles; nephew Bryan Sanders; and 2 brothers-in-law she loved so much— Randy Owens and Jim Broyles.

Surviving Grama B is son Steven and his wife, daughter-in-law, Jennifer, Number #1 grandson Braden, and most precious granddaughter, Cora Grace; and daughter Stacy Lee and her husband, son-in-law, Wesley Miles. Also surviving her are Sister Nancy Broyles, brother Kenneth and his wife Paula Sanders, sister Kathy Sweet and her husband Dee. Many nephews, nieces, greats, cousins, numerous loved ones and friends will cherish sweet memories, as well.

As a child of God, she lived for Him and eagerly awaited a future with Him in Heaven. Always eager to do good works…a life characterized by the “greatest of these”—love! Eccl 3:1

Graveside services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Monday, December 23, 2024 at Clifton Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 P.M. Sunday, December 22, 2024 at Clifton Funeral Home. 

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to please send donations to https://beyondtype1.org/donate/

or give to your local church and or community organization that will bless others in need.