Billie Joyce Butler-Sanders was born October 29, 1937 in Tyler, Texas to Elder Felder and Catherine Sanders. She was an active member of the Church of the Living God, PGT in Tyler, and a graduate of Tyler Public Schools and El Centro College.
Billie married Bishop Calvin C. Berry, Jr. and celebrated 47 years of marriage.
She was previously married to Alfred Middlebrook until his death in 1976.
“For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.” Romans 14:8
When Billie Berry became The First Lady of The General Assembly Church of The Living God, P.G.T., she received the position as a blessing, serving God’s Mission.
Billie loved and enjoyed her Church immensely with ongoing Christian activities.
Billie was very active in service. She was the Founder of The Church of The Living God Angelic Choir, Tyler, Texas; a long time Mass Choir Member and Outstanding Soloist, (she often led songs with the ability to reach high soprano notes); the Founder of the Ewing Street GLOW Society-1997, (“God’s Loving Outreach Workers”) and Praise Service leader.
Billie spoke on numerous occasions for The General Assembly. She was a Bible Study worshiper and Sunday School Scholar. She prepared the Sunday Service Bulletin for 30 years, was dedicated to Twelve Noon Prayer Time (except Sundays); served with the Sick and Shut In Ministry at Nursing Homes and Members’ Homes; was an active member of the C.C. Berry Sanctuary Choir and Women of Worship Choir; and was a preparer and reader of Church Resolutions. Billie engaged in the Sunday School Service in person or via Zoom and she was a special Guest Speaker or Mistress of Ceremony for many occasions and events.
Bishop Berry gave her the name “Fus-box” which should be self-explanatory Fuss and Box.
At Twelve-Noon daily, Billie stopped whatever she was doing to study specific Bible verses to share and encourage others to develop a relationship with Jesus.
Her favorite award-winning Christian Gospel Singers were Walter and Tramaine Hawkins. In her leisure time, Billie listened to Gospel Music and one of her favorite songs was “I’m Going Up Yonder,” sung by Walter and Tramaine Hawkins.
Billie was a lifeline to many as she reached out to church members, friends, and neighbors her entire lifetime. She was consistently communicating with her church members and neighbors preparing for the next meeting, program, event, or occasion.
Billie was a fabulous cook and loved to bake her most familiar cake recipe, “That Cake!”
Billie always wore fashionable suits, hats, and jewelry. She truly loved her family and they loved her.
Billie leaves to cherish her memories: her husband, Calvin Charles Berry, Jr.; Daughters: Jacqueline Middlebrook-Carwell (Darriell), Linda Jones (Keith), Cynthia Berry; Sons: “Beloved” Wendell Middlebrook (Kimberlee), Calvin Berry, III(Joanne), Stephen Berry, Sr. (Nona), Andrew Berry(Brenda). Grandchildren: Cametha (Nikki) Lewis(deceased) (Bobby); Marques Thompson, Kyndell Middlebrook, Stephanie Berry, David Berry, Andrea Berry, Adam Berry, Andrew Berry, Christopher Jackson, Kandace Gairy, Keith Jones, Jr., Stephen Berry, Jr, Pamela Berry; and Nephew Jimone Butler and a host of great-grandchildren and dear friends.
Walk thru Visitation
Thursday, August 29, 2024
3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Evergreen Memorial Funeral Home 6449 University Hills Boulevard,
Dallas, TX 75241
The Homegoing Celebration
Friday, August 30, 2024
11:00 AM
Ewing Ave Church of The Living God
1112 S. Ewing Ave Dallas, Texas 75216
Final Earthly Resting Place
Friday, August 30, 2024
Laurel Land Memorial Park-Dallas 6300 S. R. L. Thornton Frwy
Dallas, TX 75232
