Helen Spencer

Helen Lois Spencer, "Aunt Helen" was born January 26, 1920 to Dollie Willman and Walter Willman. She was born in Ranger, Texas -- in a big Army tent. Through her growing up years, she was raised by her parents and her extended kin folks. As a family, they experienced the Great Depression and the hardships of that time. She lived all over Texas and much of New Mexico. Then she spread her wings and lived in Argentina and also in Africa. She traveled the Holy Land and much of the European continent before she came back to Texas.

She always kept up with the family, and could tell you everyone's birthday, wedding date, and birthdays of the children. She had the family collection of pictures and could stump anyone with some of the old timey ones. She was particularly sought after at the family reunions because she was the "Resident Authority" on the family. She could look back on her life with a great deal of certainty because she kept everything on her calendars. It was difficult, if not impossible to win an argument with her because she kept everything in black and white. She also cultivated a host of friends that she kept through the years because she cared about them, and was also a great letter writer.

Through her years of illness, she gained more friends -- especially those associated with Hospice of Midland. Special thanks go to Peggy Abel, her hospice nurse, Mary Moysard, her respiratory therapist, and to Dr. Richard Reese and Dr. Gregory Bartha for directing her medical care. Thanks to Richard and Gilbert for keeping her oxygen in good supply and to Pharmacy Unlimited for going "above and beyond." To the entire team of Hospice of Midland she was simply "Aunt Helen."

Special thanks to Bert Huff, her hairdresser for over 35 years and to Vena for keeping her supplied with the Odessa American over the last several years to she could work her crossword puzzles. Family members stayed close. She would want to make mention of Bob and Emma Howard and family for helping her with household and car maintenance and for those special delivery "goodies." And, how about those fish fries at C.A. and Marta Marie's house. Those were extra special times because all the clan from McCamey, Crane and Odessa would gather for food and fun. Sometimes, Betty Carolyn, a cousin from the Ft. Worth area would make the trip to join in this festivity. There is one lady that Aunt Helen had a special love for, and that was her Aunt Marie. Through the years, they shared many memories, letters, and jokes.

Survivors include two nieces; Donna Willman and Carol Armstrong, her husband Larry, and their family. Great nieces and nephews are: Gary Armstrong and daughter, Hannah; Beverly Mewborn and children Brooke, Brett and Chelsea; Cindy Herzog and husband, Brent, and their children, Brandon and Mason.

Aunt Helen was preceded in death by her parents, her only sibling, J.C. Willman, her Beloved Randy Spencer, and her infant daughter Civilla Annette.

Graveside services for Aunt Helen will be on Saturday, August 26, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Family visitation will be Friday from 6-8 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home.

Aunt Helen requested memorials go to St. Jude's Children's Hospital -- 332 N. Lauderdale- Memphis, Tennessee 38105 -- because of the special work they do with children; or to Hospice of Midland - P.O. Box 2621; Midland, Texas 79702- for the friendships, care, and attention she received through the months she was under their care.

Aunt Helen, thanks for the memories. Go with God.