Billie Sue Sanders

Billie Sue (Matthews) Sanders, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose playful spirit and kindness filled the lives of all who knew her, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at the age of 90.

A funeral service will be held to celebrate Billie's life at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 25, at the First Baptist Church in Dawson. Pastor Colton Yarbro will officiate. Interment will follow at the Spring Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, October 24, at Wade Funeral Home in Hubbard.

Billie was born on October 16, 1935, in Spring Hill to Ottma and Flora (Bankston) Matthews. The only daughter out of four children, Billie was known as a hard worker and was deeply involved in school and with her friends. She was a proud Dawson Bulldog, graduating as the salutatorian of her class in 1954. After high school, Billie moved to Dallas for work, where she soon met the love of her life, Cecil Sanders, at East Dallas Baptist Church. They were married on July 14, 1956, at First Baptist Church of Dawson.

Billie and Cecil's life was an adventure, following Cecil's career with International Harvester through Dallas, Mesquite, Chicago, and DeSoto. During these years, Billie poured her time into raising their two sons, Darrell and Ron. When Cecil retired in 1991, they happily returned home to the peace of Spring Hill. They lived on a part of the original George Washington Hill land grant, which has remained a vital part of her family since the early 1840s

Back on "the Hill," Billie and Cecil became deeply involved in FBC Dawson and the Dawson Ex-Students Association. They filled their days with the rhythms of country life, community service, and spending time with friends and family. Billie was a dedicated gardener, crafter, and talented seamstress, capable of creating anything from beautiful dresses to elaborate home furnishings in her craft room. She was an animal lover, extending her affection to countless beloved dogs and even a few eccentric pet ducks over the years.

One of Billie's favorite pastimes was spending hours fishing in the small lake on their property. But perhaps her greatest joy was simply relaxing with a cup of coffee or a soda on the back porch, watching the hummingbirds and deer. She had a huge capacity for love, which she showered on her four grandchildren and, later, her many great-grandchildren.

Billie loved hosting family celebrations, including annual Christmas gatherings, Easter egg hunts, and Fourth of July cookouts. Their house was truly "the heart of The Hill," and a central, welcoming place for many of her family's significant moments. Billie and Cecil Sanders were not just beloved members of their community; they touched countless lives with their community service, generosity, and humor.

Billie was preceded in death by her loving husband, Cecil, her son Darrell, daughter-in-law, Brenda, and her parents and brothers.

Her memory will be cherished by her surviving family: her son, Ron Sanders and his wife, Patti, of Dawson; and her four devoted grandchildren and their families:

Shaun Sanders and his wife Megan, and their son, Rhett.

Audrey Steele and her wife Forrest, and their children, Elaina, Liam, Emma, and Lucas.

Sarah-Jane Menefee and her husband Matt, and their children, Evelyn, Norah, and Maggie.

Kate Sanders.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Spring Hill Cemetery Association or the Dawson Ex-Students Association.