Helen Marie Ervin

Helen Marie Ervin of Georgetown, Texas, passed away on Thursday, January 15, 2026. Born on August 27, 1935, in Big Spring, Texas, to Guy Forrest Wallace and Emily Ruby Fallin, Marie grew up surrounded by the wide open fields and close knit family ties of West Texas. Her childhood was spent on the family farm with her brother, Elton, and among the nearby farms and ranches of aunts, uncles, and cousins - places where hard work, laughter, and loyalty shaped the foundation of her life.

After graduating from Big Spring High School, Marie attended Tarleton State College (now Tarleton State University), where she met Wayne Tiller. They married on August 27, 1955, and in November 1964 welcomed their son, Scott Allen. Though the marriage ended in 1968, a new chapter began in 1970 when she met her husband, Woody, in the bowling league at Dart Bowl. Marie and Woody married on January 29, 1971, at First United Methodist Church in downtown Austin, then built their life together in the Windsor Park neighborhood, where they spent more than three decades raising Scott, serving their church, and pouring their energy into scouting and community life.

Marie’s professional life was as full and varied as her personal one. For approximately twenty years, Marie worked at the University of Texas conducting bench science experiments for chemical, biochemical, and zoological research. She was on campus in August 1966 during the UT Tower shooting and survived by diving behind a tree—an experience that stayed with her for the rest of her life. In 1983, she began a second career with the Texas Employment Commission, where she worked as a lead statistician until her retirement in the late 1990s.

In 2001, shortly after retiring, Marie and Woody moved from northeast Austin to Georgetown. They quickly became known as warm, thoughtful, and generous neighbors.

Service was woven through every stage of Marie’s life. She supported Cub Scout Pack 22 and BSA Troop 88, served as a District Commissioner with the Capital Area Council, and maintained lifelong friendships forged through scouting. Her faith was equally central. She was a dedicated member of Memorial United Methodist Church in Austin and later St. John’s United Methodist Church in Georgetown, where she offered her time, talents, and prayers to numerous ministries. She and Woody also sponsored many youth through the confirmation process, a role that brought them deep joy and a sense of purpose. At St. John’s, they found what they lovingly called their “second family.”

After Woody’s passing in November 2019, Marie moved to The Delaney, where she once again built a circle of friends—her “Delaney Family.” She delighted in conversation (including and especially evening Happy Hour), bingo, dominoes, and the simple pleasure of being among people for whom she cared.

Marie is survived by her son, Scott, and daughter-in-law, Jennifer, both of Austin; niece Lisa Bernet (Rick) of San Antonio, and nephews DeWayne Wallace (Elaine) of Palestine, Davis Wallace (Sue) of Bethlehem, GA, Doug Wallace (Elly) of South Jordan, UT, and Robert Haney (Suzanne) of Stephenville. She was preceded in death by her husband, Woody, her parents, Guy and Ruby Wallace and Eston Barbee, and her brother, Elton. She also leaves behind a wide community of beloved friends, many of whom she considered family.

Marie loved camping, traveling, bird watching, and sharing time with the people she cherished. She was especially known for her ruthless domino skills and took no mercy in beating her family handily. She took great pride in her West Texas and Wallace family heritage, both of which created a formidable yet warmhearted daughter, sister, wife, and mother. She will be missed dearly.

Services for Marie will be held on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, with Visitation beginning at 11:00 am and Celebration of Life at 12:30, Cook Walden Davis Funeral Home, located at 2900 Williams Drive, Georgetown, TX. A committal service will immediately follow at Cook Walden/Capital Parks Cemetery, 14501 N. Interstate Hwy 35, Pflugerville, Texas 78660.

The family is deeply grateful to the staff at The Delaney at Georgetown Village, Georgetown Living Home Health, and Tranquility Hospice for their partnership, expertise, and loving care, particularly Elizabeth, Cynthia, Mary Faith, Sonia, Miriam, Celeste, Holly, Jeanne, Emma, Jeanette, Lori, and Jodie, and to Megan and Jennifer with Curana Health.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages those interested to donate in Marie’s memory to Dell Children’s Blood and Cancer Center Sickle Cell Program. Donations can be mailed to Dell Children's Foundation at 4900 Mueller Blvd., Austin, Texas, 78723, or made online at https://supportdellchildrens.org/?campaign=676267