Helen Ruth McKinney

Helen was born August 17, 1940, in Wallis, Texas, to the parents of Nell Free and Clad Russell Coleman. Helen spent her childhood raised by her grandparents, Jack and Elizabeth Free, and along with her cousin, Clara Bell. Both grew up together under their grandparent’s care as sisters. Helen attended Hatton MBC for which during that era her baptism took place in the Brazos River. She was also an Eastern Star.

After passing of her grandparents, Helen moved to Houston (4th Ward/ Freedom Town) along with her mother, Nell Free Baker and stepfather, Arthur Baker.

As time passed, Helen met the love of her life, a soldier name, Elreece McKinney, Sr. (from Simonton/Fulshear, Texas). They united in marriage and to their union they had two kids, Elreece, Jr. “Reece” and Cynthia Renee. Even after a divorce the two remain best of friends and still have love for each other.

Helen retired after 35 years of at St. Joseph Hospital but before her retirement she obtained her Cosmetology license.

Helen leaves behind her two kids, Elreece, Jr. “Reece” and Cynthia Renee.

Also leaves behind: seven grandkids, Chris, Jasmine, DiAngelo, Sidney, Symone, Javin “JP” and Kyle. She also leaves behind her sisters, Jackie Howard, and Kay Taylor; sister-cousin, Linda Pines; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceded her in death, parents, Clad (Mildred) Coleman, and Nell Free Baker (Arthur); brother, James Coleman; grandson, Kaleb McKinney; and beloved sister-cousin, Clara Bell Marshall, and Elreece McKinney, Sr.

A visitation for Helen will be held Saturday, August 5, 2023 from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM at Paradise Funeral Home, Inc, 10401 West Montgomery, Houston, TX 77088. A funeral services will occur Saturday, August 5, 2023 from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM, 10401 West Montgomery, Houston, TX 77088. A committal will occur Saturday, August 5, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 4:30 PM at Cemetery Beautiful, 8401 Wheatley St, Houston, TX 77088.