Billie Jean Smith Powell, a 91-year-old woman from Wills Point, Texas, passed away on April 12, 2021. Born on September 1, 1929, in Center Point, Arkansas, she spent most of her life in Wills Point, Texas. Billie was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church of Wills Point and worked in the food service department for Wills Point ISD until her retirement in 1993.
She was known for her love of traveling, her companion Bonnie "Bo" Bridges, and her dog Sissy.
Billie is survived by her companion Bonnie of Terrell, Texas; son Jason Powell of Corsicana, Texas; daughter Pamela King Fowler of Frankston, Texas; brother Rev. Bobby Smith and Diana of Hurst, Texas; grandchildren, Adrianna Powell, Monty Powell, Scott Willis, Donnie Willis, Annabelle Powell, Ellie Powell, and Graham King; 9 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Douglas Fairbanks, son Ronnie King, sisters Irma Dean Pierce, Georgia Pearson, Dorothy Wilson, and brother Marvin Eugene Smith.
Unfortunately, Billie Jean Smith Powell's death was not a natural one. Gerald Wayne Powell, her son, was involved in a tragic incident where he killed his mother and her dog. Gerald, a former military veteran, reportedly told his sister that he was going to kill their mother and the dog, prompting Van Zandt County deputies to respond to the scene just outside Wills Point. Gerald was later taken into custody by the authorities.
The incident led to legal actions against Gerald Wayne Powell. He was charged with capital murder for the death of his mother and animal cruelty for the death of her dog. The case drew significant attention due to the nature of the crime and the relationship between the perpetrator and the victim. The legal proceedings involved multiple court appearances, and Gerald faced severe penalties for his actions.
Billie Jean Smith Powell's death and the subsequent legal actions against her son highlight the tragic and complex nature of family violence. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health support and intervention in preventing such devastating incidents.
