Ginger Devillier

Ginger Faye Smith Devillier, “B.B.”, 83, of Winnie, died Wednesday, June 12, 2019, at her home. Born on Christmas Day, December 25, 1935, Ginger Faye was quickly renamed by her big brother, Sonny, as B.B., because he couldn’t pronounce Ginger. B.B. graduated from Anahuac High School, where she was captain of the girls’ basketball team playing point guard on the varsity team for four years.

On November 13, 1955, B.B. married Larry James Devillier, and moved to Winnie. For many years, B.B. was a stay at home mom. There was never a ballgame, a play, a room mother position, or an award ceremony that she would miss or turn down for her children. A talented seamstress, B.B. could whip up a dress or costume at a moment’s notice.

When her children were old enough, B.B. began working at Sammy’s Western Store. As the manager, she ran a tight ship for many years. Levi’s, boots, hats, and the showcases were never in disarray! Later she worked with her lifelong friend, Dorothy Faye Hamiliton, at Creative Design Imports. The two worked side by side with glue guns in hand, making myriads of Christmas decorations and potpourri. They worked hard but enjoyed a competitive game of Sorry every day! Before fully retiring, she worked at the Winnie Rice Co Op.

If you truly knew B.B., you knew her love of Dr. Pepper! If there was only one left in the fridge… you had better not drink it! Dr. Pepper, you just lost your best customer. We are certain she has funded many a scholarship for the company to give to students!

Becoming a grandmother was truly her calling. Granny B.B. always spoiled her grandchildren with homemade milkshakes, sweet tea, cinnamon toast, the candy drawer in the fridge, and the blue plate special of the day. Granny showered her grandchildren beautifully wrapped presents but was not shy of her use of tape, so opening gifts required some time! Granny and Paw Paw took every opportunity to babysit, catch a ballgame, take the occasional hunting/road trips, attend beauty pageants, or livestock shows. Even fly to Chicago for dance recitals. Granny was a fierce competitor at board games with her grandchildren. When questioned about letting little ones win, she replied, “They need to learn how to lose sometimes. Life isn’t all about winning.”

B.B. is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Larry Devillier, of Winnie; daughter, Paulette Cobb, of Beaumont; sons, Buddy Devillier and his wife, Sheri and Dean Devillier and his wife, Pam, both of Winnie; grandchildren, Tyler Coco and wife, Worley, of Beaumont, Justin Devillier, Kate Devillier, Colton Devillier, and Kristen Devillier, all of Winnie, Audyre Hodges, of Beaumont, and James Cobb, of Los Angeles, California; great-grandchildren, Wyatt James Coco, John Oscar Coco, Charlotte Bernice Hodges, all of Beaumont, Liam Rye Devillier, of Winnie; brothers-in-law, Wayne Behrend, and Billy Devillier and his wife, Diane; and sisters-in-law, Barbara Smith, Saundra Fontenot, and Sammie Devillier.

B.B. was predeceased by her parents, Mattie and Perry Smith; in-laws, Mildred and John Oscar Devillier; sister, Ruby Behrend; brother, Sonny Smith; son-in-law, Greg Cobb; and beloved granddaughter, Lauren Elizabeth Coco.

B.B.’s grandsons, Tyler, Justin, and Colton; nephews, Butch and Steve Cline; family friends, Steve Franzen and Petie Cammareri, Jr., will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Bubba Devillier, Leroy Ezer, and Wayne Sullivan.

A gathering of B.B.’s friends and family will begin at 12:00 p.m., with her funeral service at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 15, 2019, at Broussard’s, 134 West Buccaneer Drive, Winnie. Her interment will follow at Fairview cemetery, Winnie.

The family wishes to thank Ameripro Healthcare and Kindred Hospice for their compassion and care with a special thank you to C.C. Williams, Belinda Cross, Ashlee Abercrombie, Becca Pickett, and Debbie Case. Also, thanks to Dr. Danny Thompson, Angela Fregia, and the staff at The Arboretum.