Billye Ruth (Sanders) Williams

Billye Ruth Sanders Williams was born on December 22, 1944 to Thomas Eugene Sanders and Elfreda Maloy Sanders in Waco, Texas.  Billye was the second of three children (a brother, Edward Eugene Sanders and a sister, Laurice Sanders Brown).  Her parents and brother preceded her in death.

Billye attended the Bartlett Consolidated Schools in Bartlett, Texas.  She was valedictorian of the Booker T. Washington graduating class of 1962.  Billye attended Prairie View A&M University, Mary Hardin Baylor and graduated in 1964 from the Breckenridge School of Nursing - now U.T. Breckenridge.

Billye married Booker T. Williams on August 16, 1964.  They were the parents of a son, Derek Sharod Williams (wife Nicole) and grandparents of Jalen, Derek, Jr. and Shelbye.   Billye's husband, Booker T.  preceded her in death.

Billye retired after a nursing career at the V. A. Clinic in Temple and Austin, Texas.

Billye was baptized at Mt. Ararat Missionary Baptist Church at an early age.  She united with Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Bartlett, Texas where she served as Mission President and Church Secretary.

Billye served as Worthy Counsellor of Grand Duke Court #164 of the Calanthe Historical Society.

Billye endured many physical challenges; but always kept the faith.  She fought a good fight and finished her course on this earth on Monday, March 24, 2025.