Helen Washington Smith

Helen Marie Washington was born on September 6, 1949, to Horace Paul Washington and Bessie Bell Hughes, the eldest of this union. Helen grew up in the Trinity Gardens Community of Houston, Texas receiving her education in Houston Public Schools. Strong Christian faith was at the center of her upbringing, which she personally accepted at an early age in the Anderson Chapel #2 (now Palm Lane) Church of God in Christ. Helen loved the Lord and expressed this love in her passion for praise and worship. She was an active choir member, where she assisted faithfully with her distinct soprano voice and for many years served as choir president.

On September 5, 1975, Helen united in holy matrimony with John E. Smith of Hempstead, Texas. Together, they resided in the Third Ward community and created a home that loved and nurtured their children until his death in 1993.

Helen's adult life was devoted to working inside her home in service to her family and community. She made the Smith residence a place of refuge and restoration for family and friends alike. For over 50 years, she remained faithful to her true calling as a self-employed daycare provider. Affectionately known as "Nanny", Helen touched the lives of so many parents working throughout the city of Houston and working college moms from her inner-city home-based small business. Before long, her reputation preceded her gift as she was sought after by families near and far to provide a level of love and care for children that was specific and unique to her. She operated in excellence for these families selflessly, prioritizing the nurture and care of children above any individual's means. When not serving in her church, work or community, Helen enjoyed cooking, dancing and spending time with all family, both biological and adopted loved ones.

On Wednesday, October 22, 2025, Helen departed this life to answer the call from labor to eternal rest. She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, four brothers, two great grandchildren, her husband and her oldest son, Alix Washington.

Her legacy of love and service lives on in her surviving children - Rev. Carlos Washington (Carol); Rosalyn Smith; Dr. John E. Smith, Jr.; LaToshua Smith, Kenneth Smith (Lakeasha), Officer TaShandrea Smith; along with her 14 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren. A lifetime of memories, laughter and love will be forever cherished by her remaining sisters, Mattie Sumlin, Viola McConnell, and Maple Anderson.

She is loved by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and will forever be remembered by the parents and children that she nurtured as a daycare provider, along with the thousands of lives she touched through her steadfast Christianity, kindness and her uncompromising spirit of service.