In Memory Of Billie Hale
(1934-2020)
Billie Hale passed away on January 5, 2020. She was 85. I had known Billie since I was in 1st grade (1972) and she quickly became like a second mother to me. She was truly one of a kind, and will never be forgotten.
Here are some words I gave at her memorial service, followed by links to two memorial videos I made for her service, and some pictures of Billie.
I first met Billie when I was six years old, and I adored her from the start. She was gregarious and funny, and also warm and motherly too. And she soon became a beloved member of my extended family.
People with big, fun-loving personalities are gifts to the world. They provide us with memories of what really matters - namely, kindness and laughter. So I'd like to share a few things Billie did that made me, and probably you, just plain feel good.
- If you asked Billie how she was, she'd answer "Sexy as all get out."
- And who could forget the Hale's New Year's Eve parties? When we were all much younger, those parties actually lasted well past midnight - hard to believe.
- I can still feel the long, comforting hug Billie gave me after my grandfather died unexpectedly when I was 15.
- And I can picture her giving me one - and sometimes two - of her amazing lemon pound cakes on my birthdays, and baking award-winning turkeys for Thanksgiving at our land in East Texas.
- Not many know this, but it was Billie who gave that magical place the name "Brushy Land" - a name that has become synonymous with fun and friendship.
- When one of Billie's kids playfully chided her about something, she'd say "I'm getting the Wite-Out" - meaning that she was removing them from her will. Sometimes she'd even playfully threaten me with that.
- Billie used to roll her nylon stockings down to her ankles just to make my Dad squirm.
- It sure felt good when Billie called you on the morning of your birthday to sing Happy Birthday to you. I will miss that.
- Even after I became an adult, Billie always kept my favorite ice cream in her freezer for when I'd drop by. I'll miss that too.
- When I was a teenager, it was a really big deal when Billie quit smoking once and for all. And all it took was love, encouragement - and some cash from my parents.
- Billie loved the hamburgers and the people-watching at Keller's. And when we'd drive there in her convertible, we giggled like school children every time I said "Billie, let's go topless!"
- Memorial Video on YouTube (4 minutes)
- Pre-service Memorial Video on YouTube (8 minutes)
