Beatrice Ann Wilson Babel, 80, of Beaumont died Saturday, January 28, 2012, in Houston.
She was born December 27, 1931, in West Helena, Arkansas to Cecil and Gertrude Oldham Wilson.The family moved to Beaumont where Bea attended St. Anthony Catholic School in Beaumont, serving as mascot the first year the Drum and Bugle Core was organized by Harry James, Sr.She was their Drum Major her last two years of school.
She was active in many organizations; the Melody Maids in the late 1940’s, The Women’s Club Piano Ensemble for three years in the 1950’s; Sweet Adelines in the 1970’s, Golden Triangle Quilt Guild, obtained the Life Master of Bridge in the 1990’s, a member of the Happy Steppers (having started dance at age four), the Southeast Texas Dulcimer Friends, and the Silver Yokes.
Bea retired after fourteen years with Houston Chemical Company.
She acquired her private pilot’s license in 1973.
An accomplished pianist, Bea shared her many gifts by entertaining regularly at local retirement centers and nursing homes.She also enjoyed playing the accordion, the dulcimer, the auto harp, ukulele, and had just begun lessons on the beautiful, but most difficult harp.
Survivors include her husband of forty years, Leo Babel; four daughters, Belinda Johnson and her husband, Hal of Fort Collins, Colorado, Donna Huntzinger and her husband, Don of Delta, Colorado, Cheryl Hidalgo and her husband, Lawrence of Williamston, Michigan, and Gwen Maxwell of Beaumont; step-children, Becky Duhon and her husband, Gerald of Beaumont, Dakota Shilling and her husband, Bill of Las Cruces, New Mexico, and Fabian Babel of Lumberton; sister, Ruth Wilson Richmond of Beaumont; brother, Paul Wilson of Starks, Louisiana; ten grandchildren, five step-grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A gathering of her family and friends will be from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 31, 2012, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.Her funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 1, 2012, at Broussard’s, with entombment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont
Her presence and talents will be sorely missed by all.
