Helen Smith Towne

Born December 28, 1925, in Bogalusa, Louisiana, she was the beloved daughter of Hugo Hoffman Smith and Maude Elizabeth Lofton Smith.

Anyone who knew Helen knew of her deep love for Louisiana. From her childhood years to her days at Louisiana State University, she remained proud of her Louisiana roots throughout her life.

After a visit to Dallas in her twenties, Helen chose to make the city her home. That decision marked the beginning of a beautiful lifetime in Dallas. She later married and was blessed with two daughters.

Helen began her career with a banking job at Republic National Bank of Dallas before going on to serve for many years as the Executive Secretary to W.O. Bankston. Her years at Bankston were filled with memorable stories, lasting friendships, and experiences she cherished throughout her life. After retiring from that position, Helen found a new source of joy at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home where she worked as a greeter. What was intended to be a one-year commitment grew into a remarkable 25-year tenure, during which she warmly welcomed countless visitors and formed many meaningful connections.

Helen was deeply committed to her community and devoted countless hours to volunteer and civic service throughout her life. She was the Founding President of the Museum of Biblical Art Guild and later served as a member of the Board and a Trustee of the Museum. Her leadership and dedication helped support an institution that was especially meaningful in her life. Her many civic and charitable affiliations included the Pierian Club, the Junior Mentor Club, Women's Council of the Dallas Arboretum, the Order of the Eastern Star, the American Heart Association Guild, the Metrocare Auxiliary, the Dallas Museum of Art, the Exchangettes (the women's group of the Exchange Club), and the Dallas Historical Society. Helen was also a proud member of the Prudence Alexander Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), with a family lineage tracing back to Colonial America in Tennessee and Virginia. Through her volunteer work, leadership, and community involvement, Helen enriched the lives of many and formed lasting friendships that she cherished throughout her life.

Helen loved to travel and was always ready for her next adventure. Whether exploring new destinations or enjoying time with family and friends, she embraced life with enthusiasm and a sense of fun. She was also an avid sports fan who rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on her favorite teams. Her loyalty to the LSU Tigers, the New Orleans Saints, the Dallas Cowboys and the Texas Rangers was unwavering, and she enjoyed following their seasons and celebrating their victories throughout her life.

Helen's family and friends feel deeply blessed to have shared so many years with her and to have benefited from her love, wisdom, and infectious personality. Her joyful attitude brought comfort and happiness to all who knew her.

She is survived by her daughters, Susan Russell (Don) and Barbara Towne (Randall Sutton); grandchildren Taylor Russell, Michelle Johnston (Welden), Sarah Walker (Cody), and Thomas Holdsworth (Lanie); and seven great-grandchildren, with an eighth arriving soon. She was preceded in death by her parents and her cherished brother, Charles Hoffman Smith.

A Celebration of Life will be held on June 23, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home, 7405 W. Northwest Hwy, Dallas, TX 75225.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Museum of Biblical Art, 7500 Park Lane, Dallas, TX 75225.