Beloved mother, grandmother, wife and friend, Billie Chesser Lawrence, age 91, of San Angelo formerly of Brownwood passed away Thursday, January 4, 2018, in San Angelo.
Graveside Services for Billie will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 6, 2018, at Greenleaf Cemetery with Richard Hetzel officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Blaylock Funeral Home of Brownwood.
Billie was born on Aug. 30, 1926, to Stella and Daniel Forest Hammond in Brownwood, Texas. She lived in Brownwood, Odessa, Fort Worth, Atlanta, Sarasota, Bozeman (her favorite,) and San Angelo, where she found immense comfort at the end of her long and greatly blessed life.
In her lifetime she witnessed the development of TV, penicillin, scotch tape, the helicopter, and microwave ovens, among many other things.
Billie married her high school sweetheart, Harold Chesser, in 1943, which led to the births of 2 kids. To Billie’s delight, those two would later bring about 5 grandkids and 5 great-grandkids. The marriage ended in 1948.
Later, she worked in secretarial and hotel front desk positions, which likely led to her marriage to Jack Lawrence; he, an airman looking for dance partners, and she, who loved to dance. Their chance encounter would lead to a loving 50 year marriage.
Taught by her mother, Billie loved to quilt and was a talented seamstress. She quilted right up to the end of her life, and blessed many with beautiful and very personal gifts that will be long enjoyed.
Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the source of some of her greatest delights, as she adored them all, and kept in touch with each one. Regular tea parties with great-granddaughter Annabel was a much loved occurrence and a time for fancy celebration. Daughter-in-Law, Dee, kept her busy, active and thoroughly entertained for the last several years of her life. Together they stitched, shopped, talked and laughed, almost every day, with many hours spent at “Free Willies” looking for a perfect purchase.
Billie loved birds, and enjoyed feeding and watching them in every place she lived. She also treasured beautiful handmade bird carvings, and collected many over the years.
Her family will always remember her patience, generosity, loving support and no nonsense advice. She is greatly missed.
Billie is preceded by her mother, Stella; her father, Daniel; brother, Bud; and daughter, Betty Carol; 1st husband, Harold Chesser; and 2nd husband, Jack Lawrence.
She is survived by her son, Robert Chesser and wife Dee; and numerous 5 grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren.
Although death is a hated part of life, we take great comfort in knowing that our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, has overcome it, and we look forward to being reunited with Billie in His presence, one day.
Online condolences for the family are welcome at www.blaylockfuneralhome.com.
