Billie Prothro Mabee Hightower

Billie Prothro Mabee Hightower, 90, of Midland, passed away on Tuesday, January 4, 2022 surrounded by her family. She is survived by her children: Guy Mabee (Helen), Gail Commagere, Leanne Wilson (Danny) and John Mabee (Gayla), 14 grandchildren, 41 great grandchildren, sister Beth Kopecky, nephew Gene Kopecky, niece Martha Suiter and numerous cousins.  She is preceded in death by her parents Frank and Nan Prothro, husband Jack Hightower and great granddaughter, Poppy LaMonica.  The family will receive friends on Friday, January 7, 2022 from 6:00PM-8:00PM at The Branch at Nalley Pickle & Welch. Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 8, 2022 at 10am at First Baptist Chapel. Private burial will be held at Resthaven Cemetery.

Billie was born on November 26, 1931 to Nancy and William Prothro in Midland, Texas.  She graduated from Midland High School in 1949 and in 1950 married Joe Mabee with whom she had four children.  She worked hard to provide a rich home environment for her family.  Service to others was a central theme in her life as reflected in the years of volunteering with the Cerebral Palsy Center in the 1970’s and 80’s and continuing to over 15 years of commitment to Cooks Children’s Hospital in Dallas.  Upon returning to Midland in 2004, she served her church body at First Baptist Church by helping in the Library – a job she continued until Covid restrictions kept her away.

Billie loved to travel.  She needed little reason to get in her car and drive anywhere, her car full of maps.   Her travels included almost every state in the union and each trip could be recounted with at least one very funny story and a stop at Baskin-Robbins.  She had a remarkable sense of humor and was so full of life.  She was determined to keep her humor to the very end, which she successfully accomplished!

Billie’s faith was the most defining attribute of her life.  She was raised in a Christian home, but it was not until a period of exceptional trials that she came to fully understand the Gospel and her desperate need of a Savior.  Her example of forgiveness was etched into her family as she shared the Gospel – not only with words – but by walking in Truth and Grace in a thorough and genuine fashion.

As much as Billie loved life and the people in her world, her hope was firmly planted in the Lord and His promises.  Romans 8:28; 37, 38 were her favorite verses.  These encapsulate the promise that the Lord is for those whom He loves and that those who are His children can never be separated from His love.

Billie loved well.  She was a faithful friend.  Extremely thoughtful, she never missed sending a birthday or anniversary card to every one of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She had a file cabinet full of cards to send to people for every occasion.  She knew how to be a friend and confidant and maintained relationships even from preschool years.  A more faithful and loving person can hardly be found.

Billie is dearly missed, but the legacy of her faith and character have forever marked the lives of all who knew her.

The family suggests memorials be donated to Midland Children’s Rehabilitation Center, 802 Ventura Avenue, Midland Texas.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Blake Commagere, Brandon Wilson, Ryan Wilson, Garrett Wilson, Greg Mabee, Bryan Mabee and Jeff Mabee.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com.