Opal Louise Matheny Billman

March 13, 2018

Opal Louise Matheny Billman was born at the Edinburg hospital on September 23, 1932 and raised on a farm in Edcouch Elsa. She grew up in a lively environment with four siblings, bare horseback riding, music and adventure. Her older brother and sister were born exactly three years apart and her younger brother and sister were twins. So, Opal was the only sibling with her own birthdate. She relished in reminiscing about the fun times with her parents, brothers and sisters, and all of their friends. She also enjoyed sharing stories of the newest generations in the family including grandnieces and grandnephews along with her own grandchildren. In later years she shared countless stories with her granddaughters who absolutely adored her. Opal was a cheerleader and graduated from high school with honors at age sixteen. She started working with Ma Bell where she met her future husband, Joe Billman. Together they raised three children and created two businesses. She had an acute professional sense and successfully managed Billman Fill Sand and Fill Dirt before marketing and managing Twin Lakes RV Park. At home, Opal was an avid reader, gifted seamstress, piano player and skilled baker. She also taught Sunday school and volunteered with the Brownies. She is preceded in death by her parents, Ubie Blackshire Matheny, Sr. and Laura Baggett Matheny; husband Joe Devlin Billman; siblings, Ubie B. Matheny Jr., Laura Eulene Coker, Marie Neuhaus and Marvin Matheny. Opal will be remembered by her family, daughter Cynthia Jo Billman-Sherman (Tommy); daughter Anastacia Louise Billman and her daughters Olivia Billman Williams and Madeline Billman Avery; and son Jason Bruce Billman (Diane) and their children Joshua and Dana. She will also be remembered by sister-in-law Josie Matheny, sister-in-law Dixie Matheny, brother-in law Lester Billman and his wife Ruby, and numerous nieces and nephews from both the Matheny and Billman families whom she also treasured. As requested, Opal’s ashes were laid to rest in the family lake during a private ceremony. An intimate celebration of her life will be held at the Sherman residence in San Antonio on April 28, 2018.