Helen Barkley

Helen Daniels Barkley, 97, of Temple, TX, passed away on 05/05/25 surrounded by her loved ones. Having left her earthly perch, Helen lassoed the nearest comet, and with a book in one hand and a Tall Boy over ice in the other, she is currently passing through the cosmos on her way to the nearest entrance to the pearly gates.

Helen, AKA “Mom” and “MiMi,” was born on 10/20/1927 in Connellsville, PA. to Paul Bassett Daniels and Helen Rush Daniels. She graduated from Connellsville High School on 6/1/1945, and her work career spanned 60 years working as a secretary, pharmacy tech, sales clerk, and university health services assistant. As a servant leader, Helen found her greatest joy supporting and caring for others while working at Sammons Community Center in Temple, TX. At Sammons Helen prepared countless meals, played games (especially cards), and talked a blue streak with local senior residents who brought her so much joy and happiness. Helen officially retired in 2012 and began her second career as an enthusiastic estate-sale shopper. She couldn’t resist a “good deal” and her stuffed closets and cupboards are testaments to the interesting treasures she found on her weekend adventures.

Helen married Samuel Lee Barkley of Union Town, PA., on September 6, 1947, in Richmond, Indiana, and they were together 64 years. Helen and Sam lived in Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, California, New Mexico, and Texas. They retired in Temple, TX. in the ‘80s where they hosted many barbecues, took Sunday drives, and enjoyed the slow life of living in the humble and quaint town of Temple.

Helen will be remembered for her kindness, sense of humor, and dedication to her family. She was a woman of great faith and over the years attended St. Paul’s Methodist Church, Temple Bible Church, and First Methodist Church. Helen loved playing cards (she did cheat now and then), making ceramics, macrameing, and considered herself an accomplished chef and candy maker.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband (Sam Barkley), parents (Paul and Helen Daniels), siblings (Violet, Paul, David, and Dorothy), and great grandson (Coltrane Hartman). She is survived by her children, Lawrence (Susan) Barkley of Arizona, Jeffrey Barkley of New Mexico, Hona Matthews of Temple, Hylie McSwain (Chris) of Academy, and brother Glen Daniels of Pennsylvania. Helen leaves behind a herd of grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will miss her spit-fire personality: Jill, Kayla, Cinnamon, Kameron, Tyler, Haydn, Avry, Cayde, Cayson, Christine, Skye, Carrie, Blake, Laura, Faye, Elysia, Caitlin, Veronica, and Jourdan. Also, Helen’s two great-great grandchildren, Baby J. and Archie.

In her later years, dementia entered Helen’s world and it was during this time that the adage, “It takes a village” rang so true as a community of caretakers lovingly took care of her. A heartfelt thank you to the staff at Baylor Scott & White Hospice in Temple for their adept and skilled medical, social services, and pastoral care, and the Dementia Enrichment Center (Hailey) in Belton, TX. for their expert dementia care and knowledge. To Helen’s wonderful caregivers who brought her so much joy and happiness these past few months and years: Avry, Miss Kitty, Shonteria, Maria, Angela, Diana, and Stephanie. The family appreciates your patience, kindness, and grace.

A memorial service is being held for Helen on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, @ 2:00PM CST at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, 11463 TX – 195, Killeen, TX. 76542.