Billie Middleton Pearson passed away on February 25, 2017 in her apartment at the Bayview Retirement Community on Queen Anne Hill in Seattle, Washington. Billie’s Christian name was Almeda Lillian Middleton. She was born on February 1, 1920 in Seattle. Although she was named after her paternal grandmother, whom she loved, she did not love her given Christian name. Almeda looked a lot like her father, William, and family members started calling her “Little Billie.” This name was much more to her liking and over the years she adopted “Billie” as her legal name.
Billie attended West Queen Anne Elementary School and graduated with honors from Queen Anne High School in 1938. She graduated early and went to work at the Seattle Public Library, supporting her family while her mother took care of her father who was dying of injuries sustained when he was hit by a car as a pedestrian. After her father died in 1939, she went to work at Fisher Flour Mill. She met her husband, Paul at the Queen Anne Presbyterian Church where they were married in 1942. Paul and Billie were married 63 years before Paul died in 2006. They lived on Queen Anne Hill throughout their married lives and were active members of the First Free Methodist Church. Billie happily lived her entire life on the west side of Queen Anne Hill.
Billie enjoyed raising their two daughters and dedicated herself to homemaking. She was an accomplished china painter, flower arranger, and she enjoyed gardening and volunteer work. Over the years she volunteered at Planned Parenthood, The Seattle Milk Fund and Children’s Hospital Guild. She was a gifted hostess and listener who took great pleasure in creating a calm, friendly home environment. Billie was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Her greatest joys were caring for her grandchildren and keeping her Queen Anne home orderly and welcoming. In many ways she exemplified the most positive traits of a 19th century woman living in a 20th century world. Neighbors, friends and family members will remember Billie fondly for her gracious hospitality, poise and kindness.
Billie is survived by her two daughters, Joan Pearson and Gail Robbins; two grandchildren, Elizabeth Goenen and Jacob Robbins; five great-grandchildren and her devoted sister and friend, Betty Edwards.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, April 11 at the Demaray Chapel, First Free Methodist Church, 3200 Third Avenue West. Remembrances may be sent to Children’s Hospital of Seattle.
