Joan Judy (Ridley) Helmer

Joan Judy Ridley Helmer – a strong, determined and faithful Christian, a dedicated teacher and always loving mother and wife, passed away, on January 15, 2025 in Tyler, Texas at 93 years young following a short illness. Viewing will be held on Monday, January 20, 2025 at 9AM and a service at 10AM at Lloyd James Funeral Home, followed by a graveside service at 11AM at Cathedral in the Pines Cemetery in Tyler.

Joan was born September 9, 1931, in Iraan, Texas to Henry Bascum Ridley and Jennie Josephine Judy Ridley. Following high school graduation from Iraan High School (Braves), she attended and received her Bachelors in Education from North Texas State in Denton, Texas, followed by receiving her Masters in Education at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. She taught school for 42 years in Sheffield, Texas (3 yrs), Germany (1 yr), Ozona, Texas (2 yrs), Kermit, Texas (19 yrs), and finally in Midland, Texas (17 yrs).

Joan met her future husband, Jerry Donald Helmer in Lubbock and they were married on December 20,1958 at First Baptist Church, Kermit, Texas. Joan was a member of Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas. Joan was known for her devotion to her family, faith, country and the art and science of education.

Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law Donald Henry (Sandy) Helmer and Anne-Marie Y. Helmer of Houston, and daughter Melanie Helmer Smith of Tyler. Grandchildren are Hattie MaGee Smith Shelton and husband Jakob Shelton of Tyler, Texas; Henry Marsh Smith of Los Angeles, California; Kaia-Marie Helmer of Waco, Texas; and Anne Josefine Helmer Sorrells and husband A.J. Sorrells of College Station, Texas. Her niece and nephew Judy Marlene Barber Matthews and husband Jim Matthews of Flint, Texas, Randy Craig Barber and wife Karen Barber of Glade Park, Colorado, Charlie and Toni Helmer of Forney, Texas, Otis Z. Helmer and wife Brenda Helmer of Fort Worth, Texas, and Debbie Helmer Knorr of Dallas, Texas. Great-granddaughter Baby Shelton expected March 2025.

Joan is preceded in death by her husband Jerry, her parents, Henry and Jennie, her sister and brother-in-law Carrie May Ridley Barber and Marlon Barber, and grandchildren Luke and Lawrence Smith (twin grandsons).