Billie Jean Bruns

Eventually every church family must bear the loss of one of its many matriarchs. There can be no exception, the God loving church family knows this, and strives to celebrate the return of one of their own to God, still, in part, the loss bears heavily on the church family and only time can soothe their pain. These truly exceptional disciples of the church seek no fame or witness to good report, they simply have a need to serve. It has been said, “As the leaders of the church look to the future, it should remember they are standing on the shoulders of the giants that came before them.” To be sure every church has its early giants, for the First Methodist Church, one of them was Billie Jean Bruns.

On Monday, March 20, 2023, at the age of 92, Billie Jean Bruns of Gonzales, arm, and arm with Angels, rose swiftly to heaven to meet her beloved husband Harold within the gates of paradise. Hers was a servant’s life, a commitment of goodwill to her church, its congregation, and her family, and now working side by side with those that have gone before her, enjoying the enriching work in heaven.

Billie Bruns was born May 19, 1930 in Gonzales to William “Bill” White and Ada “Baby” Keck White. She had graduated from Gonzales High School with the Class of 1948 and married Harold Edwin Bruns on November 19, 1949 in the parsonage of the First Baptist Church. She had been a member of the United Methodist Women, the Methodist Choir, and the First Methodist Church. Billie and Harold were instrumental in establishing the Methodist Church Youth Group’s Spaghetti Supper. She and Harold were completely devoted to their church. They carried on a popular tradition of coffee and cinnamon toast before Sunday worship services for many years in the church. Her corn casserole was ever present for bereavement meals as were prayers for peace and comfort. Billie was beyond supportive to the youth of the church; she was committed to youth of the church. She collaborated with the spirit of the church to love, protect, and lead its children to the Lord because it is the right thing to do. Billie worked at the First National Bank of Gonzales for over 20 years as a bookkeeper and teller. She loved visiting with the customers and made many lasting friendships there.

Billie largely devoted her life to her son, Tommy. She never missed an athletic or academic event that he was involved in. She lived her life as an example to her family. She worked beside her husband and son in the hay fields, feeding and tending cattle. Rain or shine, hot or cold Billie happily worked alongside her family. Her home kept perfectly in order and breakfast, dinner and supper were ready and delicious every day. Sundays are the Lord’s days and Billie saw to it that the family was in church to worship without exception.  She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She earnestly held on to her Christian values that were centered around God, Church, and Family. Later in life she was rewarded with grandchildren, Harold and Billie drove to Houston once a week to spend a day with their grandsons, clearly, like church, spending time with their grandson was food for their souls. For all she did for her family, for all she meant to her family, certainly “Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her” Proverbs 31:28.

Billie Jean Bruns is survived by her adoring family, son and daughter-in-law, Thomas Harold and Theresa Bruns of Kingwood, grandchildren, Christopher Thomas Bruns and his wife Carrie of Cypress, Cody Michael Bruns of Kingwood, great grandchildren, Thomas Blake Bruns and Dylan Reid Bruns of Cypress and brother-in-law, Louis Henry Bruns of Luling. 

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 pm Monday, March 27, 2023 in Seydler-Hill Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10 am Tuesday, March 28, 2023 in the First Methodist Church with Dr. Matt Pennington, and Pastor Andy Smith officiating. Private family interment will follow in Gonzales Memorial Park. Pallbearers: Chris and Cody Bruns, Westley Hensley, Ricky Lester, Jeff Massie, and Ronnie Menking. Honorary pallbearers: Pal Lester, Tom Lester, Emmitt Currie, Steve Slaughter, Johnny Fogle and Dr. Commie Hisey. Memorials may be made to the Methodist Childrens Home, 1111 Herring Ave, Waco, TX 76708. Friends may leave their condolences to the family by visiting www.seydlerhillfuneralhome.com. Services are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home.