Lula F. Helms

Lula Faye Robinson Helms has been reunited with her husband, Don, and two daughters Donna Faye and Tina Diane Helms when she passed through Heaven's gate on October 7, 2011. Lula was born on August 27, 1940 to the late Charles Claiborne Robinson and Ruby D. Blackwell, both from Stonewall, MS.

Lula spent most of her adult life in Texas after she married, Vernon Don Helms of Port O' Connor, Texas. There, Lula stood side by side with her husband as they dedicated many hours of their personal life building the Port O' Connor community. It was also there that Lula and Don began raising their three children, Vernon, Carol and Tina. After Don's job transfer to East Texas in 1975, Lula continued her commitment to her family. Lula created a homey environment for her family. With her natural talents with home décor, Lula never failed to keep a tidy and well decorated home.

Mrs. Helms will be remembered by her surviving son, Vernon Charles and daughter-in-law, Brenda, of Valdosta, Georgia and Carol Helms Barkley and son-in-law, Charles, of Mesa, Arizona. Lula also leaves her three adored grandchildren, David Helms, Shannon Barkley and Rachel Barkley along with three sisters, Lavone (Bonnie) Satcher, Lola Boykin, her twin and Carolyn Downs, in addition to numerous nieces and nephews. Mrs. Helms is preceded in death by her husband of thirty-five years, Don Helms, who died in 1993 and two daughters, Donna Faye, Tina Diane, mother Ruby D. Blackwell and father, Charles Claiborne Robinson.

Lula knew and loved the Lord and when asked once she got to Heaven, who is the first face she wanted to see, she simply replied, "Jesus". Nothing else mattered at a time in her life when she began to realize her days on this earth were coming to an end. Jesus has the ultimate connections and she remained content and confident that by seeking His face, this would fulfill everything she would ever need. Lula leaves us with her smile, along with her southern upbringing, an infectious accent and gracious manners, never failing to include "ma'am" or "sir" when addressing people. Lula became a favorite to many caregivers and left a sweet and endearing impression.

Lula's family would like to extend a gracious and heartfelt thank you to the staff of Emeritus at Mesa, in Mesa, Arizona for showing their utmost respect and care for their mother. Many commented on Lula's sweet nature and said she will be remembered fondly. The family would also like to thank, Hospice of the Valley and the team that helped with her passing with dignity and elegance.

The Barkley family extends a special thanks to their church family, Hi-Way Baptist of Mesa, Arizona, especially Mrs. Beverly Leake. Beverly never failed to be supportive, with her steadfast encouragements. Carol would also like to include her gratitude to "adopted" sisters, Paula Carpenter, Elva Bass and Tina Mendoza for offering continuing sisterly love.

A graveside service will be held at Seadrift Cemetery, in Seadrift, Texas on November 4, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the Helms have requested that donations be made to the Leukemia Cancer Foundation in honor of Lula Faye and Tina Diane Helms.