Helen was born on February 21, 1924 in Princeton, IN to Louis and Helen Bates. After graduating from high school and attending business college, she began a career in the world of finance. She tackled her professional life with determination and vigor. At the age of 22, she was promoted to office manager - the youngest manager in the history of Interstate Finance. On November 28, 1954, she married Robert D. Cummings. They raised two children together: a daughter, Jill, and a son, Scott.
Helen had a passion for volunteer work. Helen and her family moved to the Alief area of Houston, TX in 1968, where they quickly became pillars in the community.
Helen began serving as Cub Scout den mother, Girl Scout leader, elementary school room mother, PTA board member, local Chamber of Commerce member, and counting judge for School Board Elections. Her altruism was always a constant throughout her life. In addition to her community volunteering, Helen sang in the First United Methodist Church choir for over 35 years and served as the choir librarian.
The Cummings family founded the Annual A.J. Martin Chili Supper fundraiser to provide funds to A.J. Martin Elementary School. The family also cooked chili for the Alief Hastings and Alief Elsik High School band programs. With Helen at its core and integral to its success, the Cummings family cooked chili for the Alief schools and community for over 40 years.
Her dedication and service to the community was recognized with the addition of her name to Cummings Elementary in 2006, attesting to the family legacy of Robert D. and Helen L. Cummings for years to come. Helen was not only known for her service but for her quick wit, infectious smile, and compassionate spirit.
Helen was preceded in death by her husband - Robert D. Cummings, parents - Louis and Helen Bates, and her siblings - Louis Bates, Col. Rt. James Bates, and Maxine Smith.
She is survived by her daughter - Jill McPherson and her husband, Mike; her son - Scott Cummings and his wife, Debbie; her niece - Cindy Chappell and her husband, Tom along with numerous other nieces and nephews; her grandchildren: Sarah Morehead, her husband, Micah, and sons - Dax and Jettson; Joshua Tucker and his wife, Audrey; Jacey Stanley, her husband, Derek, and children Devin and Katelynn; Lauren Cummings and Trevor Cummings.
The family would like to thank her home caregivers - lead by Julia Rhodes. They have been a blessing to her and her family.
A graveside service will be held on Thursday, March 4th at 11:00 am at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home in Houston, Texas (www.forestparkwestheimer.com). Please arrive at the main building by 10:45 am to join the procession to the gravesite.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made on behalf of Helen Cummings to the Alief ISD Education Foundation. https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=T8TUUGQ8AHEQ8
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