Willie “Billie” Marie Staton Howell

Willie “Billie” Marie Staton Howell was born May 14, 1922, to William David and Lula Belle Staton on her family homeland, Greenwood, in Gonzales, TX.  She went home to her Lord and Savior, on February 6, 2024, at the age of 101.  We know she had a glorious reunion when she was met at the pearly gates by her loving husband of over 70 years, Donald Howell.

Billie lost her father when she was just fifteen.  His untimely death shaped her into a strong and solid woman who valued family and could persevere during tough times.  Billie showed that same fortitude and strength for the rest of her life, and always made her family a priority.

Billie married Donald Howell on December 13, 1941.   His unit in the National Guard was called to service shortly thereafter, and he entered the war.  Billie held down the home front, during uncertain times, delivering their first of seven children in his absence.  Billie ran the household, juggling many tasks to make sure her family was well fed, clothed, educated, and well versed in the Bible.  She was a Sunday school teacher for many years and active in the Eastside Baptist Church in Gonzales, and in later years, she attended Hochheim Baptist Church.  Billie is also a published poet and song writer.

Billie was preceded in death by her husband, Donald, her sister, Zelma, her brother, Doug, her sons, Donald David and James, her grandson, Gregg, and granddaughter, Billie Jean.  She is survived by her children: Maedel, Nell (Bill), Marji (Jim), Grover (Teri), and Sally (Danny) and  many grand-children, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. 

Serving as pall bearers are Bill Hearn, Jason Howell, Jeffrey Pergrem, Shane Howell, Derek Kotrla, and Anthony O’Dell.    

Honorary pall bearers are Don Hearn, Patrick O’Dell, Bobby Joe Howell, Christopher Kotrla, Bryan Pergrem, Michael Pergrem, Jason Breslow, and James Howell.

Visitation will be Thursday, February 8, 2024, from 5:00 PM- 7:00 PM at Seydler Hill Funeral Home.

Services will be held Friday, February 9, 2024, at 10:00 AM, at Eastside Baptist Church in Gonzales, TX, with a graveside service at Bellevue Cemetery to follow.

Memorial can be made to Eastside Baptist Church or www.mercyships.org

All services are under the care and direction of Seydler – Hill Funeral Home.