Helen Wilcox Shackelford

Helen Wilcox Shackelford, age 95, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2021 surrounded by her family. She was born in Trinidad, Colorado, on February 6, 1926 to Herbert and Helen (Tixier) Wilcox. Her father owned or operated grocery stores throughout the Southwest, which allowed Helen to grow up in Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Colorado and Wyoming.

In 1942, Helen attended The University of Arizona where she majored in history.   There she met and married Lt. Dave S. Shackelford, on November 25, 1944.  Over the next 20 years, they raised their family in various places around the globe, including the United States, Europe and Asia, while Dave served as a pilot in the US Air Force.  Their final duty station was in San Antonio, where Helen has resided for the past 59 years.  She had a deep and abiding love for the City, its people, culture and history.

Once settled in San Antonio, Helen attended Parish Draughon’s Business College where she was later hired as a teacher.  She continued her career in the vital statistics department at the Bexar County Courthouse and then was a devoted employee of Osborn Heirs Company where she retired after 30 years of service. When not working, you could find Helen supporting her four daughters and all the MacArthur Brahmas or enjoying a relaxing weekend at the family ranch in Blanco, Texas.

Helen had a keen and inquiring mind and was extremely well read.  Throughout her life, including at the very end, she accepted the daily challenge of the most difficult crossword puzzles, and triumphed over them.  Her deep love for history and family led her to compile a detailed account of her family’s genealogy. She was never happier than when explaining family lineage or telling family stories to any of her offspring.  Helen’s other passion was travel and she was privileged to take each of her grandchildren on an overseas adventure, a trip none of them will ever forget.

Helen is survived by her four daughters and their husbands, Diane (Jerry) Turner, Stephanie (Gavin) Smith, Ann Lynn Perkins and Helen Lisa Shackelford; seven grandchildren, Langston (Meredith) Turner, Amanda (Chris) Flanigan, Ashley (Michael) Hanna, Courtney Turner, Brad (Lauren) Morgan, Stephanie (Michael) Sierra and Worth (Medley) Turner; and thirteen great grandchildren, Mary Helen, Wilcox and Tennie Turner; Sam, Caroline, and Diane Claire Sierra; Harrison and Bishop Turner; William and Catherine Hanna; Lindsey, Lillie and Bradley Morgan.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Helen Wilcox, and her son-in-law, Donald Morgan.

Helen’s family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Francis Rivera, Delores Esparza and Miranda Alderete for their loving care during Helen’s extended illness, as well as to Guiding Light Hospice workers, Andrew, Meredith and Reuben.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the San Antonio Food Bank, the San Antonio Humane Society, Guiding Light Hospice or the charity of your choice.

A celebration of life will be held in the Mall at Towers on Park Lane on Saturday, July 31, 2021 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.