Helen Katherine (Plummer) Almanza

Helen Katherine Plummer Almanza, aged 85, passed away in Austin, Texas on August 9, 2024, with her family by her side. Born in Stonewall, Oklahoma, on August 4, 1939, to Frank Slater Plummer, Sr. and Ethel Jo Black Plummer, she was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother and a guiding light in the field of education.

She completed her early education at McCallum High School in Austin and earned her B.A., M.A. and PhD in Education Administration from the University of Texas at Austin. Later in life, she received her Master of Divinity from the Austin Presbyterian Seminary.

When people asked what her life vocation was, she always said education. She started out as a teacher and speech pathologist and was so inspired by the difference she made in children’s lives that most of her future career changes focused on children. For a decade, Helen worked at the Education Service Center, Region XIII as a Project Manager collaborating with educators and schools to help them become better advocates for their students. She then pivoted and became a professor at Texas A&M University (Hook’em!) where she educated and inspired students in their career paths in special education and coordinated the establishment of a Mastery Learning Project that helped schools better educate their students. As a specialist in this arena, she was called to work for Very Special Arts, an international organization on arts, education and disability in Washington D.C. founded by the Kennedy family and associated with the JFK Center for Performing Arts. She continued her passion for education in her next career change as a vice principal at O. Henry Middle School where she loved on the kids sent to the “Principal’s Office.” After 6 years as a vice principal, she felt a calling to the ministry and entered the Austin Presbyterian Seminary and became a pastor. She helped resurrect the struggling Wells Branch United Methodist Church, then moved to First United Methodist Church of Austin for 4 years where she focused on lay ministries, congregational care and missions. Lastly, she was honored to continue her pastoral work at her home church, Tarrytown United Methodist Church, the church she grew up in, eventually married in, and raised her children in with her husband Albert. As an associate pastor she touched many lives, not only with her loving heart, but with her continued passion for education, teaching many classes including Disciple classes. In the days leading to her death, many prior students visited and shared with her that her classes and their experiences with her changed the trajectory of their lives. Helen eventually retired as a pastor and moved into the retirement community of Brookdale Westlake Hills where she continued her mission to educate, holding weekly church services and bible study classes.

Even before Helen found her calling as a pastor, she ministered to family, friends, neighbors, co-workers and strangers throughout her life. She was a confidant to many she met and had an exceptional ability to listen, provide support and emotional comfort to those in need. She was a champion of women, either by actively supporting their career advancement or encouraging them to pursue their goals and dreams. She was a role model for most and a leader for many.

Helen’s beloved husband of 62 years, Albert Almanza, died in January of 2023. She is survived by her son Boone Almanza (Erin); daughter Beth Eyre; grandsons Albert Boone Almanza, Jr. and Abraham Boone Eyre; granddaughters Madalena Elizabeth Almanza, Isabella Patricia Almanza and Ezra Helen Eyre; older brother Frank Slater Plummer, Jr.; numerous nieces and nephews as well as great and great-great nieces and nephews that were dear to her heart; and beloved caretakers Paulina Salas-Nino and son Marco, and Cris Salcido. Her adored sister Patricia Marie Plummer Straiton, who set up Albert and Helen on their first date, died weeks before Helen on July 20, 2024. Helen was also predeceased by her sister, Verla Jean Plummer Baker and three siblings that died as children, Betty Jo, Funston and George Lynn.

Helen’s last weeks were peaceful and comforting largely due to the incredible care and love provided by the doctors, nurses and staff at The Christopher House.

A memorial service celebrating the bright light of Helen will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 15, 2024, at Tarrytown United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers consider a donation to Tarrytown United Methodist Church https://tumcaustin.churchcenter.com/giving or The Christopher House https://www.hospiceaustin.org/get-involved/donate/donation-form/