Ona Mae “Billie” Richey Chambers, age 101 years, passed from her Earthly life to her eternal life on July 21, 2018, at her home in May, TX. She was born in Fisher County, TX, on June 15, 1917, and moved to May as a teenager where she lived the rest of her life. She attended May High School. She met James Wade Chambers at a dance; they were married in 1937. Wade died in 1976. She was a devoted mother and homemaker. She was an avid gardener, a quitter, and a daily walker. She liked to sew, and she liked dancing to country music. She loved to play “42.” She could shell black-eyed peas and pecans amazingly fast. She was a member of May United Methodist Church and remained active in the church as long as her health permitted. She enjoyed active participation in May Senior Citizens for many years. She was an active supporter of the May Community and the Democratic Party.
She is survived by five children. Her daughter, Lavay, lived with her in her home (which was built by Wade in 1962 and that she loved) near May and provided her incredible love, care, and support for many years. Her other children are deeply grateful to Lavay. She has one other daughter, Wanelle (Bill) Shafer of Indianapolis, IN, and 3 sons, Danny (Jean Ann) of Justin, TX, Clayton (Betty) of May, and Clendon (Renee’) of Mabank, TX. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great granddaughter. Her parents, two sisters, and two brothers proceeded her in death.
Extended family and friends will attend a visitation at Heartland Funeral Home on July 24, 2018 from 5:00 pm-8:00 pm. Her funeral service will be at the May United Methodist Church on July 25, 2018, at 11:00. Burial will follow in the Wolf Valley Cemetery beside Wade and among many Chambers family members including those who settled northern Brown County in the late 1800s.
Pallbearers will be her grandsons: Stephen Chambers, Darrin Chambers, Matthew Chambers, Michael Shafer, and David Chambers. Her nephew, Ellis Jay Richey, her only surviving Richey relative, will be the sixth pallbearer. Her granddaughters, Suzie Romig and DeeDee Grimshaw, will be special attendees at her celebration of life.
The family wants to extend a very special thank you to Leslie Leach, her truly extraordinary caregiver at home for the past 19 months. The Kindred Hospice team is also deeply appreciated. Thanks to all our wonderful friends who are planning a special meal for the celebration on Wednesday.
Memorials to the Wolf Valley Cemetery Association or the May Cemetery (where her parents are eternally resting) Association are suggested and will be appreciated by the family.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.heartlandfuneralhome.net
