Mrs. Billie Jean McQueen Caviel, 90, passed away on March 16, 2026. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 11 am at Agape Church of God in Christ. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park under the direction of Griffin Mortuary. Visitations will be held Friday, March 27, 2026 from 5 pm to 7 pm at Griffin Mortuary.  Mrs. Billie Jean McQueen Caviel, a woman of unwavering faith, remarkable achievement, and enduring service, peacefully transitioned, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be cherished. 

Born on July 24, 1935, in Camden, Texas, to William and Loutisha McQueen, Mrs. Caviel was the youngest of seven children. At the age of nine, she moved to Lufkin, Texas, where she was raised and later graduated from Dunbar High School.

Driven by determination and a passion for helping others, she pursued higher education at Texas Southern University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy, fulfilling a lifelong dream. It was there that she met the love of her life, Mr. Alfred Caviel, Sr., who also shared her passion for pharmacy. Later, the two began a lifelong partnership, grounded in faith, love and purpose; uniting in marriage in October of 1957. Their union was blessed with six children.

As one of the first female pharmacists in Lubbock, Texas, Mrs. Caviel was a true trailblazer, breaking barriers in the medical field and paving the way for future generations of women and African American professionals. Her influence extended far beyond pharmacy, as she became a respected leader across the medical community, civic and service organizations, education, and her beloved sorority.

In 1960, during the height of the Civil Rights era, Mrs. Caviel and her husband made history by opening Caviel’s Pharmacy. It is the first Black-owned pharmacy in Lubbock and the first husband-and-wife owned pharmacy in the nation. They faithfully owned and operated the pharmacy for over 49 years, serving the community with compassion and dignity. They closed the doors on May 16, 2009.

Continuing her dedication to community and legacy, Mrs. Caviel later donated the pharmacy building to the Lubbock Roots Historical Arts Council. This extraordinary act of generosity led to the creation of the Caviel Museum of African American History in 2015, the first African American museum in West Texas. Today, it stands as a cultural cornerstone, participating in the First Friday Art Trail of Lubbock and serving as a host site for the Caprock Jazz Festival, preserving history and enriching the community for generations to come.

Mrs. Caviel was a devoted civic leader who served with distinction as a member of the Lubbock ISD Board of Trustees starting in 1985, where she was a tireless advocate for students and education. Her commitment to children extended beyond leadership, as she was also a faithful volunteer at Ervin and Wheatley Elementary Schools, where she demonstrated her enduring love for children and her dedication to uplifting the community.

In addition to her many contributions, Mrs. Caviel was a faithful and active member of several impactful organizations, through which she served, led, and uplifted her community with distinction. She was a devoted member of the NAACP, where she championed equity, justice, and opportunity, and an active member of the American Legion Post 808 Women’s Auxiliary, where she faithfully supported veterans and their families. Her commitment to service was also reflected in her involvement with the West Texas Pharmacy Association, Life Run Center for Independent Living, the East Lubbock Art House, the Lubbock Coalition of Black Democrats, the Lubbock Area Legal Aid Client Council, and the Lubbock Housing Resource Board, where she contributed her time, leadership, and voice to causes that strengthened the community.

Her legacy of service extended deeply through her volunteerism and lifelong affiliations. She gave of herself generously through organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and held the distinguished honor of emeritus membership with the South Plains Food Bank, reflecting her lasting impact in the fight against food insecurity. Above all, she remained a proud and dedicated lifetime member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated for over 55 years. In recognition of her extraordinary commitment, leadership, and enduring sisterhood, she was celebrated as a Golden Member, an honor that reflects not only longevity, but a life marked by sisterhood, scholarship, and service.

In recognition of her lifelong service and leadership, Mrs. Caviel received numerous awards and honors. These accolades celebrated her outstanding contributions to community service, her excellence in business leadership, and her enduring impact on the Lubbock community and beyond. Among her many distinctions were the Gold Medal Award from the Association for Women in Communications (2022); the Exemplary Pathfinders recognition (1985) for her leadership as a Girl Scout Troop Leader; the Outstanding Community Leader of the Year Award from Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (2019); and the YWCA Women of Excellence Business Award (2010). She was also honored with the Woman of Influence Award by Women of the 100, where she was named the organization’s only honorary member, and received recognition from the Texas Tech University and TTUHSC Black Faculty and Staff Association for her dedicated service to the community (2010).

Her legacy was further cemented through honors such as the Joan Y . Ervin Elementary Lifetime Achievement Award (2014) and recognition for 21 years of service on the South Plains College Advisory Board (2007). In tribute to her lasting impact, the NAACP established the Caviel Business and Community Service Award in her honor. Mrs. Caviel was also the recipient of numerous appreciation awards from organizations including the NAACP; Adult Division Helping Our Children (ADHOC); Lubbock Public Schools; Parkway and Anderson Elementary Schools; and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., recognizing her unwavering dedication, service, and commitment to uplifting others across generations.

A woman deeply rooted in her faith, Mrs. Caviel was a faithful member of Alexander Chapel Church of God in Christ. There, she served diligently on the Mothers’ Board, as a Pastor’s Aide, and as a Sunday School Teacher. Her life was a living testimony of her love for God and her commitment to ministry.

Beyond her many accomplishments, Mrs. Caviel was widely known for her warm spirit, exceptional cooking, and unmatched hospitality. She never met a stranger, and her home was always open. Whether family, friend, or guest, all were welcomed at her table and embraced with love, making every gathering a reflection of her generous heart.

She also found great joy in celebrating the Christmas season, her favorite time of year. Mrs. Caviel delighted in dressing up as Mrs. Claus and bringing smiles to children, especially during her visits to Ervin and Wheatley Elementary Schools. These moments reflected her playful spirit, her love for children, and her deep commitment to spreading joy throughout the community.

Mrs. Caviel leaves to cherish her precious memory with her beloved children: Adrienne Holmes (Tony), Lisa Thompson (Billy), Dr. Stacy Caviel-Watson (William, III), Dr. Alfred Caviel, Jr., and Bryce Caviel (Aya). She also leaves a loving legacy through her grandchildren: Daniel, Christian, Quinten, Jean-Ian, Quincey, Loutitia, Qrysta, Taylor, William, IV , Quiarra, Bailee, Brayden, Nari, and Kai, along with several great-grandchildren who will continue to carry her legacy forward.

Mrs. Billie Jean McQueen Caviel’s life was a beacon of strength, grace, and perseverance. She touched countless lives and leaves behind a powerful legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew and loved her. She is now reunited in eternal rest with her beloved husband, her son, Jasper III; and, as the last surviving member of her immediate family, with her cherished parents and siblings, Robert McQueen, John McCoy, Clyde McQueen, Bertha Anthony, Eura McQueen, and Betty Jo Leath.