Billie Elaine (Meyer) Cloud

It is with great sadness that the family of Billie Elaine Cloud announce her passing. She entered eternal life on Wednesday, January 25, 2023. She was a woman of grace and elegance who commanded respect through her sharp intellect while showing selfless love and devotion to those lucky enough to be in her life. Her spirit is carried by all those that knew and loved her.

Billie was born in Forsan, Texas and was the middle child of three daughters. She loved spending time outdoors, riding horses, cultivating wildflowers and gardening. She prided herself on her home and children and remained an avid gardener most of her life. While our grief is significant, we know that she is now spending an eternal spring in Heaven.

After graduating from Benton High School (Arkansas), Billie enrolled at Baptist State Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas where she graduated in 1948 at the top of her class and earned her nursing license. She worked for several years as a medical assistant for Dr. Robert C. Watson, MD, the pioneering neurosurgeon in Little Rock, Arkansas. Dr. Watson believed in Billie's knowledge and capabilities so much that he encouraged her to become a neurosurgeon, but she wanted to be a wife and a mother more. She married Robert E. Cloud in 1951 and they moved to Longview, Texas in 1956 where she resided for the remainder of her life.

In 1977, Billie returned to nursing and spent years as the Post-Partum Clinical Supervisor at Good Shepherd Hospital in Longview, Texas. She made a difference in the lives of many young nurses and was considered one of the best in her field. Ms. Cloud, as she was lovingly called, took great pride in her career. Her caring manner for patients and fellow nurses served as a model for her profession and she was always happy to meet one of the babies that she helped care for after their birth. She touched many lives, and she will long be remembered for her extensive medical knowledge and compassion. She retired to care for her aging parents reflecting her unwavering devotion to family.

Billie is survived by her daughters, Melynda A. Cloud (Kathy) and Susan E. Cloud; son, Daniel W. Cloud; and her granddaughters, Sarah K. Cloud and Rachel M. Cloud. She is also survived by her much-loved nieces and nephews; extended family; and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert E. Cloud; her son, Robert B. Cloud; her parents, W.C. and Nettie Williams; and her sisters, Maxine Dawson and Aletta (Fernie) Speights. She is also preceded in death by two granddaughters, Ruth Elaine Cloud and Deborah Jo Cloud.
Billie remained a devoted Christian throughout her life. Faith and family were important to her, and she will be forever remembered by those who loved her as a generous and loving wife and mother and as a caring friend. We thank her for giving us such happiness and for her unwavering love and support. There have been few like her that have graced this earth and we will remember her always.

May her memory be eternal.
John 14:1-3 and Psalm 23