Becky Stillwell

I’ve been married to Ron Stillwell for 38 years. He is also a Realtor. Both of my daughters are teachers, Kelly recently taught for 5 years at Woodrow Wilson High School but stopped teaching when she had her 3rd son Beau and helps her husband Herman with his business, HG & Co. Home Improvement. Susie started an online tutoring company called Stillwell Learning after a 2 year commitment to the Peace Corp in Western Samoa and 1 year of teaching at Hexter Elementary. Our son Robby works for ESPN and various networks as a cameraman and utility worker. Luke will enter 9th grade at Booker T. Washington Music for Guitar this fall, Jack plays soccer and the piano & will be in 5th grade at Hexter and Beau will be in pre-school a few days per week at The Children’s Center at WRUMC.

Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I have been a Realtor since 1982. From 1985-2008 we bought homes in need of repair, remodeled them, and either rented or sold them. The best part about being a Realtor is finding the perfect home, especially for first-time homebuyers. It’s really a great feeling to be a part of such a happy time in someone’s life.

Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
My absolute favorite was the Metropolitan Cafe on Main St. but they were forced to close because of Covid. I love Good Friend, Alfonso’s, Pizza Ghetti, Gapco, Campisi’s

Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
40 Years

Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
There are many but if I have to choose one it would be Dorothy Gharis lived on Carnegie for years and currently lives in a retirement community in Garland. She is 102 years old and sharp as a tack and one of the kindest, sweetest people I’ve met. She is a member of WRUMC and Lynn Johnson and I deliver communion to her once a month.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I’ve always wanted to go to Italy. Both daughters have been there. Susie was a residence assistant for Texas A&M in Castigleon Fiorintino for a year and she wants to take me there.

Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
My favorite movie is While You Were Sleeping with Sandra Bullock. My Favorite TV show that I can always watch is Shark Tank.

Q: What advice would you give to people?
Just to treat everyone the way you want to be treated and be kind. I tell my grandsons if someone insults you or makes fun of you just say thank you, smile, and walk away-that is not the response they expect and it makes them look foolish.

Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I’ve always wanted to see the leaves turning color in the Northeast and this October my sister and brother-in-law are taking Ron and me on a foliage tour of the Northeastern United States.

Q: What is your go-to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
I listen to Billy Joel, Elton John, The Eagles, and a lot of 70’s music.

Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Alfonso’s, Pizza Ghetti, Dairyette, Motts 5 & dime former, JC Penneys in Casa View former, I wish the Casa Linda Movie Theatre was still in Casa Linda.

Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would have lunch with Lynn Johnson. She was the secretary at WRUMC for 35 years and is retired. We deliver communion to shut-ins once a month and eat lunch. The Cheesecake Factory on NW Hwy and Outback Steakhouse are 2 of our favorites

Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love that it feels like living in a small town in the middle of a big city. I love White Rock Lake and the feeling of acceptance in the community.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I see myself in the same place doing the same things….unless my grandkids move away, then I’m going where they go!

Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
My father built motels and would build a house attached to the lobby where we lived. My first house was attached to a motel and I lived in a total of 5motels growing up from Iowa to North Carolina to Islamorada, Florida. Growing up I moved every 2 years which is probably why I love the stability of living in the same home for 33 years!

Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
I visited my daughter in Western Samoa when she was in the Peace Corp. The forests of palm trees and clear blue water was breathtaking. Very few tourists so it was very peaceful also. I just returned from Costa Rica and it was beautiful as well!

Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and the best single day on the calendar?
December, Christmas, and Christmas Eve is my favorite

Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
My relationship with my grandchildren.

Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My grandsons inspire me to set a good example for them.

Q: How do you ignite kindness in your community?
I take my grandkids and their friends to Autumn Leaves to play bingo with the seniors several times a year before covid, we’ll start again soon, I was on a regular schedule to serve meals at the Bridge before Covid, next week I’ll work Vacation Bible School at White Rock United Methodist Church, I try to be a courteous driver, help people that break down in front of our house on a regular basis, pick up trash on my walks in the neighborhood, help with the Ferguson Road initiative clean ups, help when I can at Owenwood Farm & Neighbor Space -we attended this church from 1985-2003. I also organized the Easter Egg Hunt at WRUMC this year and volunteer at Hexter Elementary on a regular basis.

Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
lavender and baby lotion

Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Love, comfort, safe