Elizabeth "Ann" Helbert

A Celebration of Life will be held at Meadowbrook - Poly United Methodist Church, 3900 Meadowbrook Drive, Fort Worth, Texas 76103, on Friday, October 16, 2026, at 11:00 am. Following the service, family and friends are invited to gather for light refreshments in the Fellowship Hall to share memories, and enjoy time together, just as Ann loved to do.

Graveside Service will take place at Laurel Land – Rose Hill Memorial Park, 7301 East Lancaster Ave, Fort Worth, Texas 76112 at 2:00 pm.

Ann was born on January 23, 1934, in Fort Worth, Texas, to Amber Deane West Sills and Ashley Horne Sills. The youngest of four children, she grew up with three older brothers. She attended school in Pottsville, Texas, before moving to Evant, Texas, and later attended the University of North Texas.

Ann and Cliff’s love story began when they met at age six in first grade. Cliff loved to tell how Ann passed him a note in class that said, “I love you,” and he wrote back that he loved her, too. By age seven, he had already asked her to marry him. Ann’s move took them apart in third grade, but their story resumed years later at the University of North Texas. After their mothers happened to run into each other, Cliff learned that Ann was attending the same university. He began spending time near the mailroom, hoping to find her. Cliff's plan worked and their childhood romance blossomed once again.

Ann Sills and Clifford Helbert married on December 26, 1955, in Evant, Texas, and shared 70 years of marriage. Their kindness, devotion, and steady support for one another set a loving Christian example for their family, friends, and even strangers. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, service, and love.

Ann devoted 25 years to teaching in public schools, serving in both Fort Worth ISD , El Paso ISD and Arlington Tate Springs. She taught third grade and kindergarten and was among the first teachers to help launch Fort Worth’s Pre-K early childhood program. Committed to continuing her own education, she pursued an additional early childhood certification at Texas Wesleyan University.

Ann was active in her church community, singing in the choir, participating in United Methodist Women, the Wesleyan Class, volunteering with Vacation Bible School, and supporting youth programs. After retirement, she continued to teach and tutor at-risk children in the district and volunteered with Women's Haven, Eastside Ministries and White Lake Hills Citizens on Patrol.

She loved opening their home to women’s groups and especially to family gatherings. Bringing people together was one of her great joys. Ann and Cliff both retired at age 55, beginning a new chapter filled with travel and more time with their grandchildren. Together, they visited all 50 states and many places in Canada, Europe, and Mexico. Ann found joy in nature’s beauty, especially flowers and gardens, and in making a difference in the lives of others.

Ann is preceded in death by her parents, Amber and Ashley Sills, and her three brothers, Harold, Garrett, and Billy.

She is survived by her husband, Cliff; her son, Bryan Helbert, and his wife, Macrine; her daughter, Kathryn Williams, and her husband, Steve; and her daughter, Carolyn Helbert-Green, and her husband, Revvie. She is also survived by her grandchildren, AnnMarie Williams and her spouse, Scott; Dwight Williams and his spouse, Torrie; Austin Green and his spouse, Madison; and Carlee Green Goff and her spouse, Benjamin; and her great-grandchildren, Josie Ann, Jacoby Jax, Raelyn June, Alice Ann, and Pierce Revvie. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Barbara Sills, brother-in-law Bradford Helbert and his spouse Arlene, cousins, many nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Steve Williams, Revvie Green, Austin Green, Dwight Williams, Scott Williams, Benjamin Goff and Nathan Miller.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Ann’s care team over the past 13 years, with special gratitude to Kahla, Lupe, Valencia, Jamie, Elena, Marla, Tasha, and Claudia. These ladies and their families became part of our family, sharing in celebrations, attending events together, and joining our family gatherings. Their love and companionship meant so much to Ann and to all of us. We also thank Waldo Rios, NP, of Knights of Comfort Hospice and Palliative Care, for his kind and compassionate care during her final months.

To all the family and friends who walked this Alzheimer’s journey alongside us, thank you for your love and support. Ann never stopped teaching us kindness, acceptance, compassion, community, and love. She was a true teacher and giver to the end.

In lieu of flowers a Memorial contribution may be made to Meadowbrook-Poly United Methodist Church to benefit community missions https://www.meadowbrookpoly.org , to Eastside Ministries https://eastsidecommunityassistance.com , or to Alzheimer's Association https://www.alz.org in Ann Helbert's honor.