Helen Painter Jensen

Helen Painter Jensen, 96, passed away on Monday afternoon, March 24, 2014. Funeral services will be 10:00a.m., Thursday, March 27, 2014 at the First Baptist Church Chapel, 1333 N. 3rd St., with Drew Altom officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory St. Visitation will be Wednesday evening from 6 to 8p.m. at the funeral home.

Helen was born on December 5, 1917 in Burnet, TX to David and Lizzie Painter. She was the ninth of eleven children. She was reared in Nocona, TX and graduated from Nocona High School. Helen furthered her education and graduated from Hardin-Simmons University in 1940, earning her master’s degree in 1967. She taught school in Rotan for two years and then in Abilene for 19 years at College Heights Elementary. She also taught children in Sunday School at University Baptist Church for 60 years and served many positions in the mission organizations.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Carl W. Jensen; five brothers and five sisters as well as their spouses.

Survivors include her daughters, Janis Altom and husband, Bill of Abilene, and Joyce Whitbread and husband, Chuck of Coppell; her grandchildren, Dan Altom and wife, Leah of Magnolia, Drew Altom and wife, Jennifer of Burleson, Luke Whitbread of Grand Prairie, and Jaimie Whitbread of Coppell; her great-grandchildren, Jensen of Magnolia, and Isaac, Caleb, Katelyn, and Elissa of Burleson.