Helen Lucille Laws Walker

Helen Lucille Laws Walker, 91, of Denton, Texas, went to be with her Lord and savior Sunday, February 23, 2025, surrounded by her beloved family. She was born on March 3, 1933, at Saint Anthony Hospital in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Paul Leo Laws and Lucille Laws. Helen graduated from Classen High School in 1950 and attended the University of Oklahoma in Norman for two years. In 1958, she became a single mother, bravely creating a life for herself and her daughter, Tracy, at a time when resources for single mothers were scarce. In 1959, she met the love of her life, John Bryan Walker, and they were married on December 30 of that year, beginning a lifelong journey filled with adventure, faith, and service.

Helen and John discovered their love for sailing in 1968 at Lake Hefner and became members of the Oklahoma City Boat Club. In 1980, they embraced a new adventure, selling John's interest in an engineering firm and purchasing a small marina and RV park in Port Isabel, Texas. They moved their boat, Cloud Nine, from the Caney Creek Yacht Club at Lake Texoma to the Laguna Madre Yacht Club in Port Isabel, Texas. After several years, they sold the marina to pursue their dream of cruising the Gulf Coast where Helen loved to watch the pelicans and snorkel. They later returned to manage the marina while John resumed his engineering career in Brownsville, Texas. In 1998, they moved to Kingston, Oklahoma, sailing at Lake Texoma with the Caney Creek Yacht Club and enjoying time closer to family.

Helen was deeply devoted to her faith and a life of service. She was an active member of United Methodist Churches in Oklahoma City, Port Isabel, Kingston, and Lake Dallas. She participated in the Emmaus Walk program and was instrumental in establishing Wesley's Closet at Kingston United Methodist Church, where gently used clothing was sold for 25 cents to provide for the community and support mission work. While in South Texas, she participated in Hands Across the Border Ministries, helping border communities in need. Helen and John also volunteered at Camp Cavett, an annual camp for children with chronic and life-threatening illnesses at Children's Hospital of Oklahoma, where they ensured campers had safe and accessible transportation.

Helen was a talented pianist who shared her gift with her local churches, particularly enjoying her time serving as the pianist at Kingston United Methodist Church. Her music was a blessing to those around her, bringing joy and inspiration to worship services.

An excellent cook, Helen found great joy in preparing and sharing meals with family and friends. Mexican food and shrimp were among her favorites. She was known for her chocolate cake, brownies, angel food cake, and what the family lovingly calls “John’s birthday cake”. She passed down many beloved recipes and taught the next two generations how to cook for their families.

She also loved games and was quite competitive, never turning down a round of dominos, Skip-Bo, Hearts or Spades. Her playful spirit and sharp wit made her a favorite opponent and partner at the table. In 2016, Helen relocated to Hickory Creek, Texas, to be near her children and grandchildren. She lived with her daughter Tracy for five years before moving to Willow Bend Assisted Living in Denton, Texas, where she continued to receive love and care from her family and friends.

She was known for her kindness, warmth, and generosity, always putting the needs of others before her own. More than anything, she cherished her family, taking an active role in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, always offering love, guidance, and support. Helen was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, John Bryan Walker. She is survived by daughter, Tracy Bonebrake; son, John Bryan Walker Jr. and wife Melody; daughter, Mary Lou Wertman and husband Lloyd; grandchildren: April Wertman, Zac Wertman (Kiara), Jeffrey Bonebrake (Bobbie) Melinda Patterson (Kevin), Chelsea Jeffery (David), Matthew Walker (Rebecca), 15 great-grandchildren, and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Helen's life was a testament to love, faith, and service. She was a sweet, kind, and gentle soul who touched the hearts of many. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered.

A celebration of Helen’s life will be held at Lake Cities United Methodist Church, Lake Dallas, TX on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Lake Cities United Methodist Church Food Pantry (Lake Cities United Methodist Church) in her honor.