Billie Louise (Bullock) Mathews (1925 - 2016)

Born 25 Sep 1925 in Montalba, Anderson, Texas, United States

Ancestors

Died 1 Sep 2016 at age 90 in Texas, United States

Space:New London, Texas, School Explosion

Biography

Billie was in 6th grade when she, and two of her siblings (Ollie & Arthur), survived the New London school explosion.

Her survivor interview: "I had been shielded by my desk, but it was covered with concrete boulders. One boy was screaming, “My leg’s cut off!” We had been in a classroom on the top level, but the whole floor was now ground level—or just about—when we landed. We didn’t remember feeling or hearing anything. We just woke up and there we were. One minute you’re listening to a book report, the next minute you’re stuck under a pile of debris.

One lady told my dad to talk to her husband, who was getting ready to shoot the superintendent or whoever let this happen. My dad went up and talked to him and calmed him down. Then people threatened to sue and all that.

I want to go to the next reunion. Some survivors tell me, “I don’t live in the past. I live in the future.” But so few of us were left in that sixth-grade class! And now there are even fewer left. I want to see them."

Obituary

Billie Louise Bullock Mathews, beloved mother, wife, sister, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend to so many, passed in her sleep to join our lord on September 1, 2016 at the age of 90. She was married to Rex Newman Mathews for 58 years. Rex preceded her in death in 2002. Billie died naturally and peacefully, likely as a result of kidney disease which required her to be on dialysis the past five years of her life.

Billie was born on September 25, 1925 in Montalba Texas to Jessie Mae and Arthur Bullock. She grew up in the East Texas town of New London and was the oldest of 6 siblings. Billie was the first born and is survived by her youngest brother – Sam Bullock, Deer Park (spouse Sharon). She is preceded in death by her sister Ollie and brothers, Buddy, Marvin and Don.

Billie is also survived by daughter Sandy Seekamp, Austin TX, Son Tommy Mathews (spouse Bob Hergenroeder) Houston TX and daughter Becky Rainbolt, Coppell TX, (spouse Gerald). She is also survived by her grandchildren Kay Kuebel (spouse Larry), Blanco TX, Joy Seekamp, Austin TX, Steven Seekamp, Victoria TX, and Michael Rainbolt, Coppell TX. She also leaves behind six great grandchildren Mark, Carlie Ann and Colten Kuebel and Sydney, Matthew and Blake Seekamp. Billie is also survived by her many beloved relatives and friends.

As a 6th grader, Billie survived the New London School explosion in 1937. This explosion was caused by a spark setting off the natural gas heating system used at the school, and resulted in the death of 294 students. This still remains one of the top natural disasters to have occurred in our country, and as a result of this explosion, a smell was added to natural gas to aid in detection of gas leaks.

Billie moved to Houston in 1943, and shortly after she met Rex on the bus they rode together to work. They were married in Houston in 1944, and soon moved to Kingsville, where they lived for over 50 years. During their marriage Billie and Rex enjoyed doing many activities together, such as playing bridge, bowling, square-dancing, camping, and attending A & I football games. Billie was friendly and loving and the Mathews’ home was welcoming to all who entered.

Billie was a homemaker and also had a career working at State Bank of Kingsville and was a successful realtor for Century 21. Billie was a member of the First Baptist Church, the Women’s Club and, together with Rex, traveled throughout the county in their RV following his retirement.

After Rex’s death Billie remained in Kingsville and was a proud attendee of the “Coffee Club”, a group of friends who would gather at the old Kingsville Mall to discuss all matters of life – she was referred to as “Dr. Mathews” by the group for her ability to dispense free medical advice for almost any ailment.

In 2010, Billie left Kingsville and moved to Houston for medical reasons, living first with Tommy & Bob, and then the last four years at Elmcroft Assisted Living. The family would like to extend their thanks to the staff at Elmcroft for their care and friendship shown to Billie.

A graveside service for family and friends is scheduled for September 17, 2:00 pm at Chamberlain Cemetery in Kingsville, where she will be put to rest next to her beloved Rex. Pastor Jack Willoughby, First Baptist Church Kingsville will officiate. For anyone that would like to make a remembrance in Billie’s name, please go to The National Kidney Foundation at www.kidney.org to make a donation in her name to fight kidney disease.

Sources

• https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/169498676

• https://www.texasmonthly.com/articles/oh-my-god-its-our-children/

• https://www.mysanantonio.com/entertainment/visual_arts/article/Books-chronicle-37-school-explosion-3410834.php

• http://nlsd.net/londonwildcats/rollofhonor.htm

• 1930, 1940 US census

• Texas, Birth Index, 1903-1997

• Texas, Birth Certificates, 1903-1932

• https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_London_School_explosion

• http://nlsd.net/Cenotaph.htm

• https://www.thestoryoftexas.com/discover/artifacts/1936-london-school-yearbook