Helen McDoniel Baucum

Helen M. McDoniel Baucum, 92, of Las Vegas, passed away peacefully at home March 13, 2013. Born Nov. 3, 1920, in Batesville, Ark., to Estes M. McDoniel and Gladys Julian McDoniel, she was a resident of Las Vegas for nearly 70 years. The founder and director of Serenus Clinical Hypnosis, Helen dedicated her life to helping others, practicing and teaching hypnosis for more than 45 years until retiring in 2011. Named "Woman of the Century" by the International Hypnosis Hall of Fame, Helen was the recipient of the Silver Alumni Award and Lifetime Achievement Award. She also served as chairperson of education for the National Society of Hypnotherapists and was a member of the American Council of Hypnotist Examiners. Helen lectured and taught hypnosis at high schools, colleges and universities and was a speaker at virtually hundreds of hypnosis seminars. She appeared on many television programs and radio talk shows and was nicknamed "Hypnotist to the Stars" by talk show host and syndicated columnist Dick Maurice for her work with well-known celebrities, politicians, college sports teams and professional athletes. She also co-authored the book "Self-Hypnosis in Action." Her dedication to others was exemplified by her love for her family. A loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend, Helen married the love of her life, Leslie J. Baucum, in 1953 and together they raised five children. Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Leslie J. Baucum; parents, Estes M. McDoniel and Gladys Julian McDoniel; son, Robert Earnheart; granddaughter, Kathleen Lea; grandson, Steven Smith; brother, Estes M. McDoniel; and sister, Mildred "Ann" Nelson. She is survived by her children, Aleta Lea (Patrick) of Poulsbo, Wash., Charlotte Smith (Ray) of Salem, Ore., Kimberly Bartlett (Scott) of Las Vegas, and Judge Suzan Baucum (Tod) of Las Vegas. In addition to her children, Helen leaves behind 12 grandchildren, Doug Lea (Sheri), Patrick Lea (Julie), Christopher Lea, Kathy Garguile, Leonard Smith (Shelly), Tony Smith, Alexandra Bartlett, Morgan Vanetti, Grace Vanetti, Chrystal Earnheart, Robert Earnheart and Camron Jorgensen (Nicole); 20 great-grandchildren; 13 great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Services will be at 10 a.m., Thursday, March 21, at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 315 S. Casino Center Blvd., Las Vegas. Graveside services will follow at Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1900 Veterans Memorial Drive, Boulder City. Arrangements under the direction of Palm Downtown Mortuary, Las Vegas, NV.