Billie Ruth Anderson Caldwell’s life story is a heartwarming narrative of family, dedication, and adventure. Born on a crisp November day in 1939 in Granger, Texas, she was the first of ten children born to Clarence Anderson, Sr. and Madie Dorothy Davis. Growing up in Granger, Texas, her early years were marked by her prowess on the basketball court and her academic excellence, culminating in her salutatorian honor upon high school graduation.
Her journey continued as she ventured to Austin, Texas, where she attended business school, all the while enveloped in the warmth of her cousins, Mildred and Mace Earls. Love blossomed when she married Walter “Dutch” Caldwell, and together they nurtured a beautiful family of six daughters, each one a testament to Billie’s unwavering care and guidance.
The Caldwell family’s odyssey took them from the familiar landscapes of Marysville, California, to the historic grandeur of Spain, where Billie’s innovative spirit shone brightly. She crafted a world of learning and enjoyment for her daughters, from historical explorations to afternoons filled with musicals, all sewn together with the thread of her McCall-patterned creations.
Billie’s love for reading was a beacon that lit the path of adventure for her daughters, inspiring them to reach for the stars and achieve remarkable milestones in their lives. Her passion for literature was not just a hobby, but a powerful tool that she used to instill a sense of curiosity and exploration in her children, encouraging them to dream big and pursue their goals with determination and courage.
Upon the family’s return to the United States, the Caldwells laid down roots in Texas, where Billie’s community spirit flourished. She became a member of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, sharing her mentoring and teaching talents with the Red Circle Girls and joining the “kitchen” crew. Billie’s cornbread dressing was famous all across the town!
When her husband Dutch faced health challenges, they returned to the Houston area, where her commitment to family, faith and community continued when they joined McGee Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Houston. Billie absolutely adored her McGee Chapel family, her Pastor and First Lady and served with faith and joy on various committees, including the scholarship banquet committee and the seniors’ ministry, and continued to touch lives through her card ministry even as the world faced the trials of a pandemic.
As Dutch’s health continued to decline, Billie’s devotion was unwavering. She dedicated herself to his care, ensuring his comfort and peace in his final days. Living on her own for the first time, Billie embraced the opportunity to deepen the bonds with her siblings, enriching their connection with frequent trips to Sealy and San Antonio. The first five sisters, united by shared history and love, kept the threads of their relationship strong with nightly conference calls and annual reunions with their fellow Crispus Attucks Colored School classmates. This tight-knit group of siblings supported each other through the years, celebrating life’s milestones with quarterly birthday gatherings in Elgin, Texas.
Above all else, Billie loved God and she loved her grandchildren. She was the best Mimi ever and traveled all over the country in celebration of their achievements.
Her story is one of enduring love, heartfelt service, and the joy of family connections that span both time and distance, creating a legacy that continues to inspire. Billie’s legacy is a tapestry of love, encouragement, and community service, each thread woven with the warmth of her kind-hearted spirit.
Preceding her in death are her parents, husband of 38 years Walter Caldwell, baby son, Lawrence Caldwell, grandson, Darwin Shields; and siblings, Dorothy Griffin, Vivian County and Michael Anderson.
She leaves to cherish her memory her six daughters, Phyllis Darden-Caldwell, Lisa Nellums (Wayneard), Myra Caldwell, Dana Jones (Kenneth), Wanda Kunkel (Jimmy), and Tonya Caldwell, her grandchildren Wayneard (Kayla), Philip, Mia (Travis), Alex, Micah, Kamille, Andrew, and Malia, great grandchildren, Serenity and Theia, siblings Barbara Rice, Clara Loving, Clarence Anderson (Diane), Douglas Anderson (Mardi), Lynette Bassett, and Kathy Glenn, aunt Patsy Bracey, lifelong friend, Daisy James, and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Friday, June 7, 2024 † 11 a.m. † McGee Chapel Missionary Baptist Church
Pastor Walter K. Berry, Eulogist
PROCESSIONAL
Clergy and Family
SONG OF PRAISE
McGee Chapel Missionary Baptist Church Choir
THE READING OF HOLY SCRIPTURES:
Old Testament
Appointee
New Testament
Appointee
PRAYER
Pastor Kenneth Jones, Jr.
SONG OF PRAISE
RESOLUTIONS
SONG OF PRAISE
Como First Missionary Baptist Church, Fort Worth, TX
McGee Chapel Missionary Baptist Church Choir
VIDEO PRESENTATION
OBITUARY
Read Silently
Mary Paddio
Ray Caldwell
Barbara Rice
McGee Chapel Missionary Baptist Church Choir
FAMILY AND FREINDS EXPRESSIONS
Phyllis Darden-Caldwell
SONG OF COMFORT
Rayshod J. Caldwell
MESSAGE OF COMFORT
Pastor Walter K. Berry
McGee Chapel Missionary Baptist Church
RECESSIONAL “Goin’ Up Yonder”
Many times, we do things that we believe to be inherent to our nature, when in reality, they are learned things that were taught or instilled in us long ago. These behaviors become an integral part of who we are. This holds true when we reflect on the virtues instilled in the six of us by our mother. She is the epitome of humility. Never one to boast or seek recognition, she selflessly dedicated herself to helping others. With a remarkable ability to identify people’s most basic needs, she eagerly responded to their calls, always apologizing for not being able to do more. Her acts of kindness were never showy or attention-seeking; they were simply her way of giving. She fulfilled the needs she encountered and trusted in God to do the rest.
Renowned writer Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Rings and jewels are not gifts, but apologies for gifts. The only gift is a portion of thyself.” We are immensely grateful to our mother for the gift of herself. She made numerous sacrifices to be a mother to each of us. Through her 38 years of loving our father, she taught us how to love. By sending cards to every family member and friend for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, births, and deaths, she showed us how to be a source of encouragement. Through her delicious meals and warm hospitality, she demonstrated how to build a strong family. Above all, she exemplified a humble spirit by allowing God to work through her. Mama, we love you dearly and will continue to thank God every day for blessing us with the gift of you.
With boundless love and appreciation for everything you continue to be in each of us,
-Your Daughters
Clarence Anderson, Jr.
Douglas Anderson
Philip Tidwell
Alexander Caldwell-Jones
Andrew Jones
Wayneard Nellums III
We thank God for all of the support and kindness extended to our family during this difficult time. Your presence and comfort have been a source of strength and solace. We would also like to extend a special thank you to Florence and Natalie and the Agape Heritage Home, McGee Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, Harmony Cares Hospice, and Terry Jones, RN. Your care and compassion have touched our hearts deeply.
Memorial Oaks Funeral Home & Cemetery 13001 Katy Fwy Houston, TX 77079
Memorial Oaks Cemetery * Interment Private