Sadie M. Billow

With grace, quiet strength, and a heart full of love, Sadie Mae Lewis-Billow lived a life that was rich in faith, family, and friendship. Born April 3, 1935, in Opelousas, Louisiana to Thorton Lewis and Edmond Brisco, Sadie grew up in a home where the values of love, laughter, and strong faith were her guiding light.

Her childhood was filled with the simple joys of Southern living—front porch conversations, Sunday service, and meals cooked with care. She graduated from Opelousas High School with pride and the desire to build a life full of meaning.

It was in Opelousas where she met a kind-hearted young man named Marshall Billow, Sr.—and fell deeply in love. They married on November 15, 1963, a union built on love, mutual respect, and faith. Together, they welcomed their greatest blessing: a son, Marshall Billow, Jr. Soon after, they made their way to Texas to begin a new chapter of their lives.

Sadie was a woman who found joy in the details. She loved to cook—her kitchen was the heart of the home, filled with the warmth of comfort food and generations of family stories. She kept a spotless home and took pride in everything she did. And when game day came around, there was no doubt who she was cheering for—the Houston Oilers, the Rockets, the Astros and her beloved UH Cougars. Win or lose, she rooted for the home team.

Though she cherished her solitude and quiet moments, Sadie found true sisterhood in the company of her favorite girls: Olevia, Ida, Sally, and Willie Mae. Together, they laughed, cried, shared secrets, and stood by one another through every season of life. The bond they built was unbreakable and everlasting.

Sadie transitioned peacefully to her heavenly home on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, just one day shy of her 90th birthday. She was surrounded by love, with her devoted son and daughter-in-law by her side.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Marshall Billow, Sr., and her dear lifelong friends—Olevia Thomas, Sally Davis, Willie Mae Jackson and Ida Brisco.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and memories that will be cherished forever by her son, Marshall Billow, Jr.; her daughter-in-law, Cassandra; her granddaughter, Raquel Sanders; great-grandchildren, Devonte’ Sanders and OmAri Jackson; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends and loved ones whose lives she touched deeply.