Billie D. Grounds

In Loving Memory of Billie Dean Grounds

Billie Dean Grounds, a long-time resident of Bellville, Texas, passed away on September 13, 2025, at the age of 92. Born on July 28, 1933, in Corsicana, Texas. She was the beloved daughter of Russell and Vera Scoggins.

She was a 1952 graduate of Blooming Grove High School, where she was crowned the FFA Sweetheart and Homecoming Queen. Shortly after graduation, she married the love of her life, James Robert Grounds, on June 22, 1952. Immediately after saying “I do”, they boarded a train bound for Calumet Air Force Base in Michigan, where they began their life as husband and wife. In 1954, their first daughter, Debra, was born. Upon Jim’s discharge from the Air Force in 1955, they relocated to Texas, where their second daughter, Jamie, was born. Following several relocations within Texas for Jim’s employment, they finally settled in Bellville on June 29, 1968. Always grounded in faith, they immediately joined the Bellville Methodist Church, where she spent decades singing in the choir and serving with the Ruth Circle.

Billie spent several years working for a local nursing home, but her most beloved role was “Grandma” and “Granny”. Billie delighted in caring for her grandkids and great-grandkids, and also spent many hours sewing, crafting, and baking her famous bread. She also enjoyed spending her time singing with the Austin County Civic Chorale and volunteering with the American Cancer Society, but her greatest loves were square dancing with the Bluebonnet Swingers Square Dancing Club and taking road trips with Jim and dear friends.

Billie is deeply mourned by her loving family, including her daughter, Debra and husband, Arthur Nordt, of Brenham; and daughter, Jamie Willingham, of Bellville. She is also survived by her sisters, Betty Jo Morton of Blooming Grove, Texas; and Rita Joyce “Connie” Morton of Blooming Grove, Texas. Billie will be greatly missed by her grandchildren: Miranda and Cooper Garza, Mark and Rachel Nordt, Holly and Brian White, Kenny and Melanie Willingham, and Christy Willingham. She also leaves behind great-grandchildren: Delaine, Cannon, Kyle, Reagan, Travis, Zenya, Weston, Matthew, and Noelle; and great-great-grandson, Attikus Duran.

Billie is preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, James “Jim” Grounds; parents, Ira and Vera Scoggins; siblings, Roy Lee Scoggins and Jesse Glen Scoggins; and great-grandson, Detric Dean Phillips.

Everyone was welcome at Grandma’s house, where there was always a full cookie jar and an invitation to come back soon.