Helen Irene Fondren

Helen Irene Anderson Fondren, of Little Rock, AR, passed away March 22nd, 2025. She was born March 27th, 1927 in Scott, AR to James Elvis Anderson and Ella Ree Griffith Anderson. She was the oldest of nine children and was often referred to as “sister.” She shared many fond memories of growing up in such a large family during the depression. She said they never had much but they always had one another, and living on a farm, they all pitched in and worked together to make ends meet. Those years were most precious to her.

After graduating from Lakeside High School in 1946, Helen began working at Lake Village Infirmary the following year as a nurse’s aide. She continued working days and attended classes at night over the next four years, eventually earning her nurse’s license.

Helen met JH Fondren, of Eudora, Arkansas when his father was a patient at the hospital. After a brief courtship, they married in March of 1951. They welcomed two daughters while living in Eudora, Deborah Jean and Joanne. Helen worked as a nurse for Dr. McDonald and Dr. Weaver. They moved to Russellville, Arkansas where JH took a job with General Waterworks and Helen worked at St. Mary’s Hospital. Over the years, work transfers took them to Missouri, back to Arkansas, and lastly to Lafayette, Indiana. Helen retired in 1980 and JH in 1985. They moved home to their beloved Arkansas and settled in Little Rock.

Helen enjoyed many hobbies, including sewing, painting, writing poetry, and possibly her favorite, spending many hours researching her family history and genealogy. She did not enjoy cooking, a preference her oldest daughter inherited.

She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served in many positions.

Helen is survived by her two daughters, Deborah Jean Grist (Seaborn) of Panama City Beach, FL and Joanne Hadley (Garth) of Portland, Oregon; eight grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren; her sister, Ruby Hicks of Searcy; her brother, Raymond Anderson of Lake Village; and fourteen nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Helen was preceded in death by her husband, JH Fondren; her siblings, Charles, Mae Lee, Bettie, James, Dorothy, and Bertha.

A family graveside service will be held at Bayou Mason Baptist Cemetery in Lake Village, Arkansas.