In Loving Memory
Billie Jean Smith Sylvester
11/26/1928 — 9/9/2013
Claybar-Funeral-Home
A Life Remembered
Obituary
Billie Jean Smith Sylvester 84, of Orange passed away Tuesday, September 10, 2013, at Baptist Hospital in Orange.
Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a Funeral Service at 6:00 p.m. Friday, September 13, 2013, at Claybar Funeral Home Chapel in Orange. Officiating will be Reverend Scott McIntosh, pastor of North Orange Baptist Church.
Born in Beaumont on November 26, 1928, Billie was the daughter of Wallace L. Smith and Susie K. (McDonald) Smith. Billie worked as a Stenographer at DuPont and was a member of North Orange Baptist Church, the Sunset Country Club and the Women’s Club of Orange. Billie enjoyed painting and playing the piano as well as a host of other musical instruments. She also enjoyed playing bridge with her friends.
She is preceded in death by her sons, Mark Whitfield Sylvester and Barney Lee Sylvester. Billie is survived by her husband of 60 years, Cecil Sylvester; son, Scott Sylvester of Tomball; and sister, Mary Louise Risinger of Orange.
Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a Funeral Service at 6:00 p.m. Friday, September 13, 2013, at Claybar Funeral Home Chapel in Orange. Officiating will be Reverend Scott McIntosh, pastor of North Orange Baptist Church.
Born in Beaumont on November 26, 1928, Billie was the daughter of Wallace L. Smith and Susie K. (McDonald) Smith. Billie worked as a Stenographer at DuPont and was a member of North Orange Baptist Church, the Sunset Country Club and the Women’s Club of Orange. Billie enjoyed painting and playing the piano as well as a host of other musical instruments. She also enjoyed playing bridge with her friends.
She is preceded in death by her sons, Mark Whitfield Sylvester and Barney Lee Sylvester. Billie is survived by her husband of 60 years, Cecil Sylvester; son, Scott Sylvester of Tomball; and sister, Mary Louise Risinger of Orange.
Service Details
Gatherings in remembrance
Visitation
Friday, September 13, 2013 · 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Claybar Funeral Home Orange, 504 5th Street, Orange, 77630
Other
Friday, September 13, 2013 · 6:00 PM
Claybar Funeral Home Orange, 504 5th Street, Orange, 77630
Messages of Love
From family and friends
Alicia Clark
September 12, 2013
Aunt Billie was my Grandma Goynes’s best friend. When my grandma left an abusive husband with a toddler daughter in tow, she went to live with her best friend’s parents, Big Mama and Mr. Smith. Aunt Billie and Big Mama were a safe refuge for Mom and Grandma. Then Grandma met my Grandpa Goynes. They married, had five more children, and moved to Iowa. After more than 40 years together, Grandma died and Grandpa moved back to Texas. He met a widow, but Miss Jane wouldn't marry him until he passed inspection by her best friend. They drove to Orange and pulled up at Aunt Billie and Uncle Cecil’s. Grandpa was a shoo-in. Grandpa owed both his wives to Aunt Billie. I know Big Mama and Grandma were there to greet her with open arms this morning, and Grandpa was giving her a big thank you. I will be forever grateful Aunt Billie was a part of our family. Sending love and prayers to Uncle Cecil and his family, Alicia Clark, daughter of Sandra Jean Goynes-Clark
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Provided by
Claybar Funeral Home