Billie Neill Schafer

Billie Schafer was born in Fort Worth, Texas, June 23, 1933 to Dewey Douglas and Lucille McWhirter Thomason. She went home to be with her Lord on Tuesday, July 22, 2014 from her home in Port Arthur, TX.

Her father moved to Garland, Texas in 1949 to work at Kraft Foods. She entered Garland High School as a Junior and during her Senior year was pursued and won by the one who would become her husband.

She married pastor James Schafer April 10, 1952 and they had a blessed life together for 62 years 3 months and 12 days. She was a wonderful Pastor’s wife and Christian leader. She served alongside her husband in each of the churches they pastored. She was always very active in the ladies organization in their local church and served as President of each District Women’s Missionary Auxiliary in which they served. Always the supportive wife, mother, grandmother.

Mrs. Schafer was preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her husband; Pastor James Schafer; her daughter Debbie Cantu of Port Arthur, TX and her son; Jim Schafer Jr. and wife Carole of Killeen, TX. Brothers; Doug Thomason and wife Kathy of Grand Saline, Bob Thomason of Grand Saline. Granddaughters; Bridget Piazza and husband Allen of Nederland, TX, Brandi Hennard and husband Zachary of Anchorage, AK, Victoria Cantu of Port Arthur, TX. Great- Great Grandchildren; Krissy Jones. Also a number of nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of special friends from far and wide.

She will buried in Mineola, TX. Family visitation will be on Friday July 25, 2014 from 6-8 PM at Beaty Funeral Home in Mineola. Funeral service will be on Saturday July 26, 2014 at 11:00 AM at Beaty Funeral Home in Mineola.