Obituary

Helen Mae Walker was born on Aug. 17, 1924, in Hamlin, Texas, the youngest of seven children in the Robert E. Walker and Mary Greenway Walker family. She was only 5 months old when the nine of them moved to Hart, Texas, in an open touring car to be among the first to farm the Texas Panhandle. After a later move to Plainview for its schools, Helen's education progressed from Highland Elementary through Ash Street Junior High, Plainview High School, Texas Tech, finally ending with a master's in library science from the University of Denver. Helen supported herself as a single woman, beginning with wartime employment as a stenographer for the Navy Department of Chief of Naval Operations in Washington, D.C. She later taught business classes at White Deer Senior High School and served as assistant librarian at Lubbock and Coronado High Schools, where she installed the entire library in the new school. Helen retired as librarian in 1987 from her favorite school, Dunbar High School, where she claimed the best children were. As an educator, Helen believed in exploring the world and learning of other cultures. She joined the first wave of American tourists to visit Europe in 1961 and returned four times, the last in 2003 at the age of 77 on a tour to enjoy the wine and cheese of Southern France. A trip to Jerusalem, Cairo and Rome in 1977 with her mother, brother Bruce and sister-in-law Donna exposed her to the Middle East. Later tours of Europe and a trip to South America to Santiago, Chile, to attend the wedding of her nephew Pat Moore only strengthened her image as the amazing traveling aunt to her many nieces and nephews. At home in Lubbock, Helen used her beloved gardening books to create a yard of beauty and solace. Dawn was her favorite time of the day, and she often walked her neighborhood in the cool of the morning. Helen was the family photographer and generous in sharing that talent. And, of course, she loved books. Helen could match tit-for-tat in any discussion of current issues and publications. She was a member of the Retired Teachers Association and the Twentieth Century Club, and she loved to play bridge. She was also a member of the Second Baptist Church in Lubbock and belonged to the Cornerstone Sunday School Class. The family extends thanks to Mariam Smith and Nancy Jordan for their gentle care, allowing Helen to remain in her beloved home as long as possible. Runningwater Draw Care Center in Olton also provided wonderful care. Helen is survived by her sister, Winnie Moore of Lubbock, her sister-in-law Marie Walker of Plainview, 16 nieces and nephews, and their families. Helen passed away on Friday, Jan. 25, 2013, in Olton at the age 88. Graveside services will be held at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 29, at Plainview Memorial Park in Plainview. A memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. at the Second Baptist Church, 6109 Chicago St., in Lubbock. Arrangements are under the care of Kornerstone Funeral Directors of Plainview. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be sent to the South Plains Food Bank, 4612 Locust, Lubbock, TX 79404 or charity of your choice.