Christine Marie Helton

Christine Marie Helton, long time resident of Arlington, Texas, passed away on Thursday, March 24, 2022. She had just celebrated her 88th birthday in February. Born in Beedeville, Arkansas, Christine grew up in a farming family with four sisters. In high school her family started a new life in Memphis, Tennessee. She met and married a Texan, Billy Ray Helton, and in just a few years, they made their home together in Arlington. Although Bill’s job that took them on a number of moves across the states over the years, they always returned to Arlington. Christine and Bill were married for 48 years when Bill passed away in January of 2006.

Christine was an active member for many years of the Aldersgate United Methodist Church in East Arlington, and had also attended Hillcrest Church of Christ at one time. She participated with her children in Cub Scouts and Campfire Girls, and was a homemaker and friend to her neighbors.

Christine had been ill since January of 2022 and was residing at Grapevine Medical Lodge in Grapevine, Texas at the time of her passing. She is survived by three children, Anita Bracey of Arlington, Clint Helton of Granbury, and Terry Lefler of Grapevine. Christine is preceded in death by son Van Allen Helton, daughter Donna Helton, and granddaughter Sheena Azimi. Christine was also grandmother to nine children, Mark Lefler of North Richland Hills, Texas; Hayley Lefler of Frisco, Texas; Tyler Helton of Temple, Texas; Wesley Helton and Marshall Helton of Arlington; Benjamin Azimi of Cleburne, Texas; and Elliott Bracey and Alex Bracey of Arlington. She was also a proud great grandmother of nine to Ethan, Tessa, and Alexa Azimi; Zerriyah Bracey; Alex, Aubrey, and Alonzo Bracey; Lily Bramhall; and Penelope Quinn Lefler. Christine is also survived by one sister, Anna Agner of Southaven, Mississippi. She is also preceded in death by sisters Lois Jackson, Pauline Pierce, and Velma Anderson.

Christine will be interred with her husband at the DFW National Cemetery in Dallas on April 29, 2022, in a private ceremony. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity or to your church.