Helen Brooks Chennault

Our mom and Mimi, Helen Brooks Chennault, went home to be with the Lord and loved ones on June 3, 2026. Helen was born July 21, 1931, the first child of Ernie and Ila Brooks. Helen attended Dallas schools, graduating at age 16 from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1948.

After graduation, Helen entered Methodist Hospital School of Nursing in Dallas, earning her Registered Nurse diploma as the youngest student in her class. She then worked in Methodist Hospital's emergency and surgical departments until 1952 when Dr. H.C. Henderson, Jr. personally selected her to join his OB/CYN practice. Working alongside Dr. Henderson for 43 years, she paused only briefly to raise her family.

In 1951, while on a blind date, Helen met Thomas Chennault —though Tom was actually there with another girl! Eventually they began dating and married on February I, 1952. With Tom facing the possibility of military service after receiving his draft notice, they planned their wedding in just one week. They shared 55 happy years of marriage until Tom's passing in 2007.

Helen and Tom welcomed their son, Thomas Wayne, in 1956 and daughter, Lisa Ann, in 1960. They raised their family in Grand Prairie. In 2014, Helen moved to Athens, Texas, to be near Lisa and later moved with her to Van, Texas, in2017, where she remained until her passing.

Active members of Inglewood United Methodist Church in Grand Prairie, Helen and Tom enjoyed a rich life with family and friends. Helen's quick wit made conversation easy wherever she went. Together they traveled to Germany, Hawaii, Jamaica, The Bahamas, England, and Alaska.

Helen joyfully became "Mimi" with the births of grandsons Marcus in 1986 and Brad in 1990. She later delighted in her six great-grandchildren: Chloe, Kate, Kaelyn, Noelle, Stetson, and Juliet.

Brown; best friend Dottie Lemond and great-grand-angel Bryant. She is survived by her son, Tom and wife Gale; daughter Lisa: grandsons Marcus and wife Kristin and Brad and wife Molly; and six great-grandkids.

Special gratitude is extended to Reverend Jill Jackson-Sears, caregivers Felicia and Donna, Dr. Karah Coker, and the wonderful team at Hospice of East Texas.