Helen Marie Walker, 1920-2019

It is with love in our hearts and an abundance of precious memories that we share the passing of our mother and grandmother, Helen Marie Walker. She died peacefully at home surrounded by family on Sunday, July 28. She has left a legacy of 99 years for us to cherish. Helen Marie Walker was born in Silsbee on Feb. 26, 1920, to parents Ted and Dittie Sanford. She was married to the love of her life, Don Walker, for almost 67 years before he passed away in 2007. She is preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband; her loving son, Al Walker; sister, Margaret Sanford Watson; and precious great-grandson, Cole Brittain. Survivors include her daughters, Donna Fry Robbins and Debbie Walker both of Liberty; son, Jay Walker and wife, Carol, of Hattiesburg, Mississippi; and daughter-in-law, JoAnn Walker, of Georgetown, Texas. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Dean Fry and wife Julie, Chad Fry and wife Amy, Kim Wood and husband Quinn, Jason Walker, Julie Tator, Lisa Horton and husband Jerry, Amy Jo Walker, Scott Oveton and wife Kerry, and Darin Walker and wife Rhonda; along with 25 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren who were all the light of her life. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Helen moved to Liberty in 1927. It was then that her mother opened the first beauty parlor in Liberty County. As a little girl, Helen begin helping in the shop immediately. She would stand on a box as a little girl and shampoo hair. In 1935, at age 15, she had a license and her own regular customers. While attending Baylor, Helen’s mother became ill and she moved back home to take over the business. For 45 years, Liberty County’s first beauty parlor served customers and Helen worked for 39 of those years. She retired in 1972 to spend more time with her family and especially her grandchildren. She was a devoted member of First Baptist Church. She lived her life for Christ and her family. She was the truest example of a Christian. She was the matriarch of her family and lead us with grace, dignity, firmness, love, and most of all faithfulness that was so evident in everything she did. She taught us what it means to love, to serve others, to be kind, to be happy and to live a productive life in service to the One who gives you everything, including life itself.

In Matthew 5:4 it says, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Although we mourn the loss of our beloved mother and grandmother, we are comforted in knowing what a joyous homecoming it was as her master replied, “Well done, my good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” We know that our lives are so much richer for having had her example, her guidance, and her love for so many years. Our family is forever grateful for the time, that God has shared her with us. The family wishes to express our sincere gratitude to Kindred Hospice for the loving care they gave. She will forever be the heart and cornerstone of our family.

Honoring the family by serving as pallbearers are Dean Fry, Chad Fry, Quinn Wood, Jason Walker, Jerry Horton, Scott Overton, Darin Walker and Jerrell Clay. Honorary pallbearers are the great-grandsons of Helen and the Deacons of First Baptist Church of Liberty.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 1. Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 2, at First Baptist Church in Liberty with Pastor Rick DuBroc officiating.

Condolences and memories can be shared with the family by visiting AllisonFuneralService.com.