Billye Surber

Billye Jo Surber entered eternal life on Nov. 10, 2017. She was born on November 5th, 1936 in Houston to Walter Winfred and Mary Jo Jackson. Her spirit is carried on by her husband of 55 years William (Bill) Surber, children Kelly Uhlmann and fiancée Paul David Gregurek, Gary Surber and wife Kimberly Gates Surber, grandchildren Julia Stock, Troy and Emily Surber and extended family of relations and friends from every walk of life. It is a great privilege to write this eulogy - we would like to share our wife, mother and grandmother with you as she was such a bright spirit in life and the ever after.

Mom was always keeping busy, never feeling sorry for herself, and always excited to see her grandkids, family and friends, especially her grandkids. I can't tell you how many grandkids T-shirts mom owned with their names on it - she was proud of all three and loved to talk about them to anyone that would listen. She was very proud of her grandson and granddaughters.

She was a warm, compassionate and vibrant woman who always went out of her way to help others-no matter what. Mom believed that everyone has good within them.

She had a wonderful and wicked sense of humor which endeared her to everyone she came in contact with. It is a great testament to her nature that she formed so many long lasting friendships over the years. Mom had many friends of all ages.

Her presence would light up a room; it was her glow, her smile, her crazy sayings "Shoot a monkey, grawdoo, hold your tater hole, bull pippie, little toot" and so many more. She was so funny! She loved to dance, and boy could her and dad cut a rug! Her favorite dancing was to go "jitterbugging", although she had mastered "The Bump" and would jump right in. A favorite memory of mine was mom and I dancing to "YMCA" with the Indian character of the Village People. Even in her final years, with sheer will and stubbornness keeping her going, she never lost her sense of humor.

Could mom cook! Her chicken and noodles were always just the best for a cold day or healing of a soul in need. Her coconut cream pies were to die for and those big breakfasts of homemade biscuits and gravy, bacon and sausage and eggs made so many memories where our family came together to break bread. It seemed anything she made was delicious-even her grandkids thought her mashed potatoes and chicken wings were so amazing! I do believe her grandson could eat 2 dozen of her chicken wings by himself!

Mom also loved all sports. For many years, she and Ms. Rhodenbaugh were called the "Dream Team" of Sweeny Jr. High. Her coaching years and students were near and dear to her heart. She also was an accomplished athlete herself as she competed in the 1955 Pre-Olympics trials tying in 4th place. She was also an Elementary Teacher throughout her teaching career which gave her the opportunity to give those hugs, encouragement and praise that she was known for giving.

Mom was quite the traveler. She began her travels to Europe while at college. She even kept a journal of her daily activities and sightings. She graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor and Master's Degrees in Education. During her married life, she traveled extensively with dad to Europe, Asia and Australia gathering many memories and experiences along the way.

She loved deeply and fully, all of us. She was the kind of person who just had more love in her heart for the more people who joined our lives.

In this final message, mom asked me to express deep thanks to all her beautiful, smart, wonderful, supportive friends during her life and illness for insight, support and the shared experience of a beautiful life.

To all of her kids, grandkids and family members, mom asked me to thank each one of you for making her life so very complete.

To you dad, mom said she will be waiting for you and that you will always be the love of her life.

Per your request, we will continue to celebrate your life on Earth in happiness and joy. Give our love to Mimi, Papa, Jimmy, Roro, Papa, Pat, Aunt Nata, Uncle Snook, Bo, Joe Henry,T-Bone and Missy - I know they had a big heavenly party planned for you.

Moms final words: say "shoot a monkey" when you think of me and remember "it is people who pause to appreciate life and give thanks who are happiest."

There will be a celebration of life for Billye Jo on Sunday, Nov. 19th, from 1 - 5pm at the home of Kelly Uhlmann, 4525 FM1459, Sweeny, TX 77480.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Columbia Christian Senior Citizen Center, 629 E Bernard St., West Columbia, TX 77486, Phone: 979-345-5955, in memory of Billye Jo Surber. Please write Billy Jo Surber in the memo area of check.

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