Billie Ruth Chisum

Billie was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Silver Chisum; her parents, William “Bill” Tosh and Ruth Tosh; and her sister, Emogene Robertson. She is survived by her sister, Johnnye Milburn of Fort Worth; her brother, William Tosh of Dedham, Maine; her four children: Carolyn Sweeney and husband Kevin, Michael Chisum, Patricia Looney, and Randall Chisum and wife Cindy; six grandchildren: Amber Harrison and husband James, Caitlin Taylor and husband Michael, Laura Chisum, Janna Shepherd and husband Scotty, Daniel Chisum, and Elissa Thomasson and husband Bryce; and three great-grandchildren: Courtney Harrison, Shona Shepherd, and Edward Shepherd.

Billie was born in Moody, Texas. She was the valedictorian of her high school class and later worked as a secretary at Barnes Lumber Company and Owens-Illinois Inc. glass plant in Waco, before marrying the love of her life at the age of 22.

She was a military wife for twenty-eight years and juggled many responsibilities when her husband was away on assignments. From maintaining their household to the demands of raising four children, Billie’s love never faltered and regardless of where her husband may be or how much she missed him, she was always there for him and their family. Her family was her greatest passion.

Billie was an excellent cook and baker and enjoyed collecting cookbooks and recipes.

She was a proficient seamstress, and her daughters have fond memories of the colorful dresses she sewed for them while the family was stationed in Hawaii.

Billie loved experiencing different cultures and never met a stranger. She had a welcoming smile and fantastic sense of humor.

She was a gifted vocalist who sung in church choirs in her youth and for her family on long car trips, with beautiful renditions of her favorite hymns and popular songs of her youth. Billie had an appreciation of music, not just the music of her generation but also music her children listened to, particularly The Beatles, Paul McCartney, and Fleetwood Mac.

Visitation will be held Thursday, July 22, 2021, from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm, at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar Blvd.

Services are scheduled for Friday, July 23, 2021, 10:00 am, at High Pointe Baptist Church, 12030 Dessau Rd., Associate Pastor Davey Davis officiating. Burial will follow at Austin Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Billie’s name to Meals on Wheels Central Texas or Mobile Loaves and Fishes.

Billie’s family extends a special thank you to the staff and caregivers at Buckner Villas for their devotion and loving care in her final years. While often demanding of their time and attention, she loved them and considered them part of her extended family.