She was born in Bogata, Red River, Texas, the daughter of Jasper Newton and Maud Lillian Chesshir. She was a descendant of the Parker family, early Texas pioneers. She married Thomas Paul Wilkinson, Sr., on June 24, 1943 in Harlingen, Willacy, Texas. Helen had served as a Teen Board advisor and Red Cross volunteer at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, and the Clarksville, Arkansas Hospital Auxiliary.
She was a member of the Clarksville, Arkansas Methodist Church. She is preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Paul Wilkinson, Sr.; her parents and sister, Della Nodden; and two brothers, Glen Hood and Heaveard Leonard "Buddy" Hood.
She is survived by her daughter, Glenda Ruth McCormack of Tishomingo, Oklahoma; and her son, Thomas Paul Wilkinson, Jr. of San Antonio, TX; 5 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, August 12, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. in Little Rock National Cemetery in Little Rock, Arkansas.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the American Cancer Society.
