Helen Smith

Helen was born on June 29, 1926 to Harry and Agnes Jacobson in Georgetown, Texas. She welcomed her brother Harry three years later and they remained close throughout her life. Both of them enjoyed growing up with their many cousins in the Austin area. The family eventually moved to Houston and Helen graduated from Galena Park High School at the age of 16. She immediately went to business school equipping Helen to become the secretary of Market Street Baptist Church where her family were members. Helen was asked by a member of their church to write her brother, Doug Smith, who was in the service in Panama. After exchanging many letters they finally met and later became engaged. Helen and Doug married at Market Street on her birthday in 1946. Using lumber from an old military barracks Doug built their first house in Greens Bayou. Children Lynda and Jimmy soon came along and Helen became a full-time mom. Through the years she would continue to fill in as church secretary when needed. Helen taught children in Sunday School and VBS, sang in the church choir, worked with Girls’ Auxiliary, and ministered in other areas too numerous to mention. Son Jeff was a pleasant surprise in their middle age. Helen resumed her full-time secretarial duties shortly thereafter and served in that role for 35 years. She was highly regarded by the pastors under whom she served. In addition to her secretarial position, Helen was church clerk, maintained financial records, served on numerous committees, and was the original Siri. During their 42 years of marriage Helen and Doug enjoyed traveling, gardening and visiting with friends and neighbors. They also enjoyed seeing their children grow up, marry and start families of their own. After Doug’s unexpected death in 1989 Helen joined a group of ladies who enjoyed traveling, sewing and quilting. She eventually made quilts for her children and grandchildren and smaller quilts for many of her great grandchildren. In every church she attended, Helen formed close relationships with small groups of widowed women who liked to have fun. She traveled to Hawaii, London, Guatemala several times, and celebrated her 75th birthday in New York City. Due to declining health, Helen spent her last few years at Rosemont Assisted Living Center where she enjoyed all of the planned activities. She had a special love for bingo and the church services that were regularly held there. She enjoyed inviting her family to join her for quarterly Family Nights and was greatly loved by the staff and many residents. Throughout her life everyone saw Helen’s love for the Lord manifested in her many acts of kindness. She poured herself into so many lives, from the young girls she taught in Sunday School to caring for her aging parents. She was a selfless servant. Helen loved the Lord with all her heart and loved others. She will be greatly missed.