Alice Fenton Morris

Alice was born May 2,1933 to John D. and Gladys Helpenstell. Upon graduation from Mt. Enterprise High School, Alice attended Stephen F. Austin State University and graduated in 1959. In 1969, Alice received a Master of Art degree from Stephen F. Austin State University. Alice was a teacher for many years in East Texas and Fort Worth.

Anyone who knew Alice knows she was an avid reader, loved crossword puzzles, enjoyed playing spinner with family, and travelled the U.S. and the globe. She also loved playing bridge with her friends and playing games at the senior center. Alice loved attending church at Bonita United Methodist Church in Central Heights.

Alice was fiercely devoted to her sisters, Thelma and Lelvyn, and doted on her grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She saved every photo and invitation of every travel, holiday, graduation, wedding, birth, and special occasion.

Alice was very dedicated to the Helpenstell Cemetery and attended the cemetery homecoming annually until her health declined. She researched the history of the cemetery and applied for a historical marker. In 2009, the Helpenstell Cemetery received a historical marker from the Texas Historical Commission. The marker was presented by then Nacogdoches County Sheriff Thomas Kerrs, and Alice was recognized by the cemetery board for her research and hard work.

Alice is survived by her loving sister Lelvyn “Pat” Marshall; son, Richard Fenton and wife, Allison; daughter, Gail Fenton Church; granddaughters Shelly Fenton, Joanna Fenton, Alison Fenton Shirley, and Shannon Black; great grandchildren Johnathan Garcia, Caleb Fyffe, Lindsay Shirley, Nicolas Shirley, Rhett Black, Ashley Black, and Wade.Black. She will be remembered with much love by niece Michelle Sirotnak and husband Mark and their sons, Andrew and Alec; and niece Helen Herd.

Our family wants to offer our special thanks to the staff at Westward Trails Rehabilitation, The Hospice of East Texas, and the friends, family, and clergy who continued to visit Alice during her declining days. A small graveside service will be held at Helpenstell Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to The Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Boulevard, Tyler, Texas, 75701 or to Helpenstell Cemetery, P.O. Box 153, Garrison, TX 75946.

October Fires

The fire leaps up in graceful silhouette,

A lustrous glow to brighten daylight's end.

It’s flame burns high, subduing fallen leaves,

Consuming them, destroying color, form.

A crown of smoke rests briefly on its head -

Then slowly leaves the torch to meet its fate.

A moment’s glory, quickly spent and gone,

For Death has come to still the ardent bloom..

Alice Fenton