Dates
Billie Jean "Zaza" McCleery departed this world on February 16, 2025.
She was born on August 29, 1936, to Wayne and Frieda Rosenthal Willson. Arriving six weeks premature, she entered the world just before the historic flood of 1936. Billie was raised in San Angelo, TX, where she spent most of her life, aside from brief stays in Fort Worth and California. She graduated from San Angelo High School and later pursued business and accounting courses at Angelo State University.
Billie had a long and successful career with GTE, where she worked in various supervisory and management roles before retiring as the Budget Analyst for GTE President Buddy Langley. Even after retirement, she remained active—first as a substitute teacher and later as a travel agent, a role she loved as it allowed her to see the world. She shared her passion for travel with her family, taking her mother and granddaughters on adventures across Europe, Canada, and numerous cruises. One of her cherished memories was taking Therese to London and Paris and later treating the family to a celebratory cruise after Becca’s high school graduation.
Her faith was a cornerstone of her life. As a young mother, she taught Training Union classes for children at Park Heights Baptist Church. Over the years, she continued her spiritual journey at Trinity Baptist and Southland Baptist Church, where she was a devoted member of the Joy class.
Billie was actively involved in her community, particularly through the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. She also found joy in her bridge group, cherishing the friendships it brought her.
Later in life, Billie’s greatest joy came from her great-grandchildren. She was a devoted presence at as many of their activities as possible, whether in Texas or Georgia. Known lovingly as "Zaza"—a name given to her by her first grandchild, Carrie, as a toddler—she became "Zaza" to all her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and their friends.
Billie was preceded in death by her parents and her uncle, Howard Willson. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Therese and Tad Emert of Robert Lee; her grandchildren, Carrie Powers of Pecos, Becca Wilson (husband Kasey) of Dahlonega, GA, Carli Powers of Georgetown, Cadi Powers of San Marcos, Jaci Wilson of Dahlonega, GA, and Kason Wilson of Dahlonega, GA.
In honor of Billie’s life, memorial contributions may be made to Rust Street Ministries.
She will be deeply missed, but her love, wisdom, and adventurous spirit will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
The family will receive friends for visitation from 5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M., Monday, February 17, 2025, at Harper Funeral Home. The Funeral Service will be 3:00 P.M., Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at Harper Funeral Home. The burial will follow at Fairmount Cemetery.
Family and friends may share condolences and sign the online register book at www.harper-funeralhome.com.