Helen Maxine Cravens

Helen went to high school In Naperville, Illinois. After graduating, she met and married her beloved husband Winford Eugene Cravens. Helen was a stay-at-home mother who had 4 children - Donald, Michael, Pamela and Nora - who she raised in Hazel Crest, Illinois. In her early married life, she enjoyed weekly salon appointments and her weekly bowling night with a local woman's league. She even won a few trophies! Later in life, she would return to real estate school and join Remax in Houston where she worked as an agent for about 5 years before retiring.

She was very kind, imaginative, easy to talk to and a great listener. She often bestowed wisdom to those who needed a shoulder to lean on, making her a favorite Aunt to many. Helen's kindness was also shown through her deep love of animals. An avid collector of dolls, music boxes, art, teaspoons, and jewelry, or as she liked to call them - "her pretties" - Helen was always attracted to the beauty in life. The same beauty that radiated from her soul.

She was predeceased by her husband Gene, son Donald, her parents Betty and Lloyd Smith of Varna, Illinois and her brother Gene Smith of Henry, Illinois.

She is survived by her son Michael Cravens of Broomfield, Colorado, daughter Pamela Cravens Alford of Spring, Texas, and daughter Nora Tanzosh of Spring, Texas. She leaves behind 13 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

The family is requesting in lieu of sending flowers, that you please make a donation to your local SPCA.

Funeral services are being held April 8, 2026 at: American Heritage Funeral Home in Houston, Texas.