Helen E Woods

Helen was born to William H. and Annie Irene Hackney in Rusk, TX. on January 5, 1916. Helen was the oldest daughter. Her sister, Elsie Ray, predeceased her in 1997 and brother, Donald M., in 1983.

The family moved to Venice, Illinois in 1918 and then to Granite City, Illinois in 1924. In October, 1931 the family moved to Houston, TX where Helen graduated with Honors from Reagan High School in 1934.

Helen worked for the Southern Pacific Railroad from 1936-1941and for Sears Roebuck and Co. from 1962 -1976.

In July 1940, Helen married Forrest Lee Woods Jr. She became a Mother / Homemaker with four children; Ronald Lee, Gary Kent, Marilyn Diane and Lynn Louise.

Helen was a faithful member of Epworth Methodist Church from 1950 until it closed. She then moved her membership to Broadway Methodist.

Helen always loved to travel and became the Travel & Tour Chair of AARP Sharpstown Chapter #50 in 1977 and served until she retired in 2001, when she was 85 years old. She organized tours all over the United States and in many foreign countries.

Helen’s husband, Forrest Lee, predeceased her in 1987. She is survived by her four children and their families; Ronald & Margaret Woods of Wildwood, NJ, Gary & Donna Woods of Taylor Lake Village, TX, Marilyn (Woods) & Donald Lee of Plano, TX and Lynn Woods of Natchitoches, LA; two grandchildren, Hal Woods, wife Melinda and Marnie Woods; and three great-grandchildren, Misty Woods, and McKenna and Weston Anderson. She is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Fern Woods and Noragene Hackney; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends, who also mourn her passing.

Viewing will be held at 9am followed by a memorial service at 10am on Friday, February 21 in the Chapel of Angles at Forest Park Cemetery located at 6900 Lawndale in Houston, TX. Interment will immediately follow the service.

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers donations may be made in Helen Woods’ name to the Alzheimer’s Association Houston & Southeast Chapter, 2242 W Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030.

Arrangements under the direction of Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home, Houston, TX.