Helen Bourgeois

Helen Elaine Bourgeois, 70, was born in Corrigan, Texas, on March 14, 1950. She was the eldest of four children born to Doris Redd and Wallace Guidry Sr. Those closest to her, called her Elaine. On the morning of March 7, 2021, Elaine was called home to be reunited with her parents.

When Elaine was a child, the family moved from Corrigan to Houston and became faithful parishioners at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. She frequently volunteered with The Holy Name Society preparing and serving breakfast in the hall and serving barbecue with all the fixings during the annual church bazaar.

Elaine was a proud alum of Kashmere Gardens High School and though brilliant, she never had the opportunity to attend college. She was, however, a big proponent of education, encouraging all of her children (and anyone else who would listen) to earn a high school diploma and pursue a degree. After graduating from high school, she went to work for Southwestern Bell where she stayed for 35+ years until retiring. During that time, she met her soulmate Leon Bourgeois, Sr. who showered her with love every day that they shared together.

Later, during her senior years, she became an active member of The Red Hat Society. And, as she was known to do, she rose to a leadership position and eventually chartered her own Red Hatter group called “Sparkle of Elegance.” You could often find her organizing activities, planning trips, and making various red and purple crafts for the group. She was and will forever be known as Red Hatter “Queen Little Lady”.

Elaine was very outgoing and made everyone feel like family as soon as she met them. One of her favorite Redd family sayings was, “Ain’t no hill for a stepper” and that was truly indicative of who she was because she could do anything she set her mind to do and she was great at everything. She was an excellent cook who enjoyed music, talking on the phone to loved ones, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Elaine leaves to cherish her memory: her husband — Leon Bourgeois, Sr.; two siblings—Gregory Guidry and Karen Guidry-Fobbs (John) both of Houston, Texas; loving cousin, best friend, and sister-by-choice – Jacqueline Wilkerson; eight children— Satonya Monroe (Kevin), Kimberley Monroe (Jody), Irvin Carter, Lynn Bailey, Lydia Bailey, Leon Bourgeois, Jr. (Florence), Quencheral Bourgeois, and Shemika Bourgeois all of Houston, Texas; twenty grandchildren – Dezmaryah Bailey, Devynn Moreno, Treyvon Bailey, Xavien Bailey, Lyndon Bailey, Kaedynn Bailey, Legend Bailey, Mia Bailey, Amiliana Bailey, Myles Bailey, Kisha Johnson, Nisha Johnson, Reggeriane Johnson, Jaden Bourgeois, Tiona Bourgeois, Taylor Bourgeois, Meagan Bourgeois, Michael Bourgeois, Madison Bourgeois, and Maiya Bourgeois; five great-grandchildren – Tre’lynn Jones, Jordynn Lamb, Jaylen Johnson, Aliyah Minotta, and Alahna Minotta; and a host of very loving nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends.

In Lieu of flowers, Helen's family requests donations be made to:

https://catholiccharities.org/what-you-can-do/donate/donate-online-now-and-help-families-in-need/

*Face Mask Is Required Upon Entry*

***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

Family and Friends,

Due to concerns for public health and in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the family has decided to forego in-person services originally scheduled to take place on March 20 at 3 p.m.

Elaine has paid the ultimate price and would want the rest of us to stay vigilant and safe. And, although we would prefer to celebrate her life with a large home going service, it would be irresponsible to host a gathering that could potentially expose other loved ones to the very virus that ended her life.

We invite you and your family to safely convene in your home and view the virtual service at the link that will be posted at 3p.m.

We ask that you respect the family's wishes and privacy at this time. Know that this was a difficult decision, but we cannot bear the thought that her memorial might expose or re-expose anyone else to this insidious virus.

Please remember to practice social distancing when near those not in your immediate family, regularly and thoroughly wash your hands and wear a mask when social distancing cannot be maintained.

Together we can stop the spread of this virus and save the lives of our most vulnerable family, friends, and neighbors.

Thank you.