Billie Erwin

Billie Hackney Erwin, a long-time resident of Bishop, Texas, passed away in Beeville, Texas, at the age of 90 on August 18, 2019, from complications related to Alzheimer's.  Born on September 24, 1928, to William Hackney and Jessye Derryberry in Port Arthur, Texas, she had one older sister, Aline Patin, and one younger sister, Mary Lou Reed.  She married Gerald "Cotton" Erwin on September 26, 1946, and later came to Bishop, Texas.  She is survived by her son, James "Jim" Erwin of Bishop, Texas, her daughter, Gerri Tehan of Irving, Texas, her son-in-law, Michael Tehan of Irving, Texas, her grandson, Chase Tehan, of Katy, Texas, her granddaughter, Audra Tehan of Irving, Texas, her great-niece, Jennifer Erwin-Maksim of Encinitas, California, and other nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Erwin worked in many fields, but the majority of her work career was spent employed by the Bishop Consolidated Independent School District as the first women bus driver until her retirement.  She had a passion for volunteering and helping others.  She was involved in Boy and Girl Scouts, and BHS band boosters with her children.  She served on the Nueces County Sheriff's Advisory Board, Benevolent Committee at the First Baptist Church (FBC), Federal Emergency Management Agency Disaster committee at the FBC, and used to dance with the Celito Linda Dancers at various nursing homes around the area.

In the past, she contributed to her community by serving on the Bishop City Council, Chairman of the Coastal Bend Council on Aging, Bishop Community Center, Bishop Brown Bag Program, Co-Chairman of the Bishop Olde Tyme Fair, Bishop Crafter's Booth Committee, Senior Citizen Council, American Legion Auxiliary, Lions Club, and Mission of Mercy to name a few.  Also, she served as election Judge for all County and State Elections within the city of Bishop and was a Texas Silver-Haired Legislator member.  For outstanding volunteer from 1999-2000, Mrs. Erwin was awarded the Jefferson Award for excellence in volunteerism.

She was gifted in arts and crafts, and enjoyed Nascar racing, and the Dallas Cowboys.

A memorial service will be held in Bishop, Texas, at the First Baptist Church on Friday, August 30, 2019, at 10:30 a.m.  Instead of flowers, donations are welcome to the Coastal Bend Food Bank or Alzheimer's Association.

Services are entrusted to Turcotte-Piper Mortuary, 205 General Cavazos Blvd. Kingsville, Texas 78363.