Billie Jean Crosby

Billie Jean (Martin) Crosby gained her heavenly wings as she passed from this life peacefully on March 11th, 2025, at the age of 92. A woman known for her grace, love and tender spirit, she touched every life she encountered. She was a beloved wife & mother, good friend and “Aunt Billie” to many. Her life was dedicated to growing a strong family and bringing together her entire family in celebrations and reunions. One of her many passions was caring for her home, gardening, and traveling to visit her children and grand children. Every neighbor was proud to call her their friend and her home was always open and welcoming to any of her family and friends. Without fail, every one of her friends and family members received a card or phone call from Billie on their birthday or anniversary. 

She was known as a woman of her word and exemplified the gifts of kindness and compassion. She organized family reunions, visited friends and family in nursing homes and hospitals and still made time for her family and closest friends – friendships last endured for a lifetime. Even some of her former workmates traveled hundreds of miles just to visit her in her nursing home residence to pay her a visit, a testimony of that bond. As the daughter and later co-owner of a local Waco family grocery, she spent her career in retail sales, later spending more than 25 years with Montgomery Wards in the Lake Air Mall of Waco, where she received countless awards for customer service and excellence. 

As the wife of a Baptist minister, she was the first lady to four church congregations in Texas and New Mexico and was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, Rev. Milburn Lee Crosby in July of 1990. 

Billie was the youngest of five children born to Oran & Leola Martin of Waco. Her siblings have since all preceded her in death: Ruben Martin (Leander), Eula Mae (Martin) Johnson (Waco), Lucille (Martin) Richie (Waco), and Glendene (Martin) Copeland (Waco). 

She is survived by her two sons, Edward Crosby of Crowell, Texas, and his wife Suzy Daniel, as well as Dwain Crosby of Waco, Texas. She was grandmother to three grandchildren, Michelle (Crosby) Cano (Spring, Tx), Matthew Crosby (Castle Rock, CO) and his wife Michelle, and Lacy (Crosby) Smith (Crowell, Tx). She was also great-grandmother to ten great-grandchildren, Jacob Miller (Huntsville), Justin Cano (Spring, Tx), Riley (Smith) Hermesmeyer & husband Cutter - Great-Great Granddaughter, Payte Aubrey-on the way (Clarendon, Tx), Cedar Smith (Crowell), Cutter Smith (Gainsville), Roper Smith & Kynlee (Vernon, Tx) and Logan Crosby, Henry Crosby, Ellinor Crosby and Benjamin Crosby (all of Castle Rock, CO). In addition, she was “Aunt Billie” to twenty-two nieces and nephews, a host great nieces and nephews, as well as countless friends. 

Billie’s family invite you to join them as they celebrate her life on Tuesday, March 18th at 11am hosted by Pecan Grove Funeral Home in Robinson, Texas, 3124 Robinson Drive. There will be a visitation the prior evening (Monday, March 17th) from 5-7pm at the same location. Graveside services will be held immediately following the service at Waco Memorial Park at 6623 I-35 south in Waco. 

In lieu of flowers, individuals are invited to contribute to Foard County 4-H Horse Club or the Crowell Texas Cemetery Association. Donations can be sent C/O P.O. Box 155, Crowell, Texas 79227