Rockwall - Billye June Seigal Wood, wife of Virgil Wood and mother to Marilyn Blaschke, Virginia Blaschke and Philip Wood, passed away peacefully at home on the evening of April 18, 2025.

Born on Nov. 20 1933 in Muskogee, Oklahoma to Ralph and Mary (Parsons) Seigal, Billye was welcomed by her older sisters, Betty Lou and Mary Jo. Billye grew up picnicking and fishing with family along the Illinois River. She was an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation Wolf Clan. She attended Muskogee Central High School, graduating in 1952.

Billye went on to graduate from Northeastern State Teachers College, where she was active with Delta Zeta sorority. Billye began her teaching career in Owasso, Oklahoma. In August of 1958, Billye and Virgil met on a blind date set up by a friend of Billye's, who happened to be Virgil's cousin. After nine months of courtship, the couple married on June 19, 1959.

The newlyweds moved to Burlington, North Carolina, where they started their family. Billye decided to stay home to raise their children. Virgil's jobs had the family moving from coast to coast before settling in Rockwall in 1970.

While the children were at home, Billye enjoyed volunteering and her clubs. She was a founding member of the Rockwall Literary Club and Rockwall Women's League. Additionally, she was involved with Red Hats, the Friday Study Club, the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Rockwall County Historical Foundation, Friends of the Rockwall Library, and the Rockwall Garden Club. In 1985, after the children were grown, Billye began teaching in Rockwall ISD. She passionately taught English, social studies and history at Rockwall High School for 12 years before retiring and joining the Retired Teachers Association.

One of Billye's greatest joys was having her whole family together. For six summers, Billye and Virgil hosted "Camp Rockwall" for their grandchildren. A week of fun was had by all. Billye and Virgil enjoyed years of travel with family and friends. Billye was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Rockwall. Living a long and fruitful life, memories of her will be cherished by friends and family.

Billye is survived by her husband, Virgil Wood, her children and their spouses, Marilyn Wood Blaschke (husband Chris) of Johnson City, Virginia Wood Blaschke (husband Randy) of Austin, Philip Wood (wife Annette) of Heath; seven grandchildren: Christin, Erin, Parker, Allison, Andrew, Erica, and Bryce; six great grandchildren: Peyton, Ada, Reese, Colton, Sophie, Atticus, and two nieces, Janice Curtis and Linda McDermott.

Billye was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Mary Seigal; her sister, Betty Meredith; and her sister, Mary Jo Graham.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude for the love and care from Ms. Ruby and the Remarkable Hospice Care Team.

A celebration of Life service will be held on May 27 at 10 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Rockwall. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Friends of the Rockwall County Library Friends of the Rockwall County Library Donation.