Margaret Billingsley

Margaret Ester Cary Billingsley passed peacefully into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior on December 23, 2025, in Midland, Texas.

She was born on July 10, 1926, to A. B and Mary Mullins Cary in Dawson County outside of Lamesa, Texas. She graduated Salutatorian from Colorado City High School in 1943 at the age of 16. She attended Texas Women's University and then Texas Tech University graduating with a Journalism degree in May 1948. While at Texas Tech she worked at Herald Photo where she met N.A. (Bill) Billingsley, a Texas Tech student who was also working there after serving as a pilot in the Army Air Corps. in World War II. They were married on January 31, 1948, and always joked that they met in a dark room at the photo shop while in college. After Bill graduated from Texas Tech in May of 1950, they moved to Snyder. It was there that they started their family.

In 1956 the Texas Highway Department transferred Bill to Abilene. In August of 1962 Margaret graduated from Abilene Christian with a Masters Degree in Education. She taught 3rd grade at Robert E. Lee Elementary in Abilene for 24 years, retiring in May 1986. Bill had retired and was consulting for FEMA and she traveled with him during their retirement throughout Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and New Mexico.

Margaret and Bill were devoted members of First Methodist Church in Abilene, Texas for 70 years and were active in the Harvesters Sunday School Class. In their later years they moved to Wesley Court Retirement Center in Abilene where they remained active and continued many lifelong friendships.

After Bill passed in 2021, Margaret stayed in Abilene until she was finally convinced to move away from her beloved Abilene and her Church and friends and be nearer to her family in Midland. She moved into Scharbauer Cottage at Manor Park in April of 2024. There she enjoyed new friendships and regular visits with family, but especially enjoyed seeing her great-grandchildren regularly, running down the hallway to see their "GG" and get the candy she had waiting for them. Margaret valued her family second only to her faith. She often proudly remarked that she had 52 first cousins. It was her mission to keep them all in contact with one another through an annual newsletter.

Margaret was the epitome of a kind and gentle southern lady. Always concerned with those around her more than herself even in her last days. Her example of true Christian faith, grace, strength and kindness were a blessing to all of those she touched.

Margaret was preceded in death by her husband N.A. "Bill" Billingsley, her daughter Kathie Eggleston, her parents A.B. and Mary Cary, her brother and sister in law, Audra and Jackie Cary and her mother and father in law, Myrtle and "Nat" Billingsley.

She is survived by her son Cary Billingsley and his wife Becky of Midland, grandsons, Nathan Billingsley of Boerne and Taylor Billingsley and his wife Emilie of Midland and great grandchildren Sadie Billingsley of Boerne, Jack Billingsley, Charlie Billingsley and Henry Billingsley, all of Midland and her nieces, Cindi Cary Mladenka and Brenda Cary Brown and nephew Mike Billingsley.

Margaret's family wishes to thank the kind, caring and loving staff at Scharbauer Cottage and the staff of Gentiva Hospice. Their grace and compassion will never be forgotten.

A Memorial and Burial will be held in Abilene at the Texas Veterans Cemetery on March 6, 2026, at 1 p.m. Because of her love of "all things bright and beautiful", the family would like to encourage that those who are able to attend wear bright colors. Arrangements are with The Hamil Family Funeral Home 6449 Buffalo Gap Rd., Abilene, Texas 79606.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to First Methodist Church of Abilene 202 Butternut Street Abilene, TX 79602

2 Timothy 4:7

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."