Helen L. Sowell

15 August 1930 - 30 March 2010

Mrs. Helen L. Hilton Sowell, 79, died Tuesday 30 March 2010 at her residence in Palos Verdes Estates, California. She completed a 14-month battle with cancer, and with her family at her side, died due to progression of the disease despite chemotherapy.

She was born in Shawnee, Oklahoma, and graduated from Meeker (Oklahoma) High School, and the University of California at Los Angeles, where she earned a B.A. degree in Speech and Education. She later earned an M.A. degree in Speech and Language Disorders from California State University, Long Beach. For more than 40 years, she worked as a Speech Pathologist for the Hermosa Beach Unified School District, the County of Los Angeles, and the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District. She was a patron of theater and performing arts throughout her life, and was active for many years in the Palos Verdes Players. She also served in various leadership roles in her church for many years.

She was predeceased by her husband of 54 years, William Raymond Sowell. She met her husband while attending Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee, Oklahoma. She is survived by her son, Dr. William H. Sowell of Dubai, United Arab Emirates; and two grandchildren, W. Nicholas Sowell of Palos Verdes Estates (CA), and Ashlee Sowell Roper of Great Bend (KS).

A memorial service will be celebrated at First Baptist Church of Palos Verdes, 28 Moccasin Lane, Rolling Hills Estates, California on Saturday 3 April at 10:00 AM. Reception immediately follows at the church.

Following cremation, the remains of Helen L. Sowell and Bill R. Sowell, will be inurned at the family burial plot in Fairview Cemetery, Shawnee, Oklahoma, and a graveside service will be conducted at a convenient time in the future. The local services are under the direction of Rice Mortuary, 5310 Torrance Boulevard, Torrance, California.