Obituaries

Home going for Sister Helen Ayers-Walker

A Life Well Lived

Ms. Helen Ayers Walker was born the second of six children on December 21, 1940, to James M. Ayers Sr. and Elva M. Ayers, in
Burleson County, near Caldwell, Texas. She accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, and was baptized at an early age, at New Hope
Missionary Baptist Church, of the Teals Prairie Community, under the leadership of Reverend B.E. George.
Helen attended and graduated high school from Smith High School in the Teals Prairie Community. After graduating, she moved to
Lubbock, TX and worked briefly at Texas Tech University, before moving to Tyler TX and enrolling at Tyler Beauty College where she
graduated and received her Texas Cosmetologist Operators License.
Helen was proud of her upbringing in the close knit community of Teals Prairie , where The Texas Historical Commission has placed
and dedicated Texas Historical Markers at both, New Hope Missionary Baptist Church and the site of Smith High School. The Texas
Historical Commission commemorates with historical markers, religious congregations and educational institutions, among others, for
making significant and lasting contributions to their local community, county and state.
In 1963, Helen united in Holy matrimony to Mr. Norman Washington, and she, her husband Norman and sons Dale, Dennis and
Dwayne, moved to Bryan, TX in 1969. There, she united with the Greater Tabernacle Baptist Church, under the leadership of Pastor
Dolphus N. Jones. Helen sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, worked as the church clerk, on the program committee, in the church
cafeteria, and was Vice President of Mission 2. She worked wherever she was needed and enjoyed working in the church and for the
Lord. During this time, she also opened her own salon, “Helen’s House of Beauty”, and enjoyed the patronage of her friends, family, and
neighbors. In 1971 she began her career at Moore Business Forms where she worked as a typesetter and proofreader, and continued to work
there, even moving to Nacogdoches, TX with the company, after the Bryan plant ceased operations in the mid 1990’s. She retired from
Moore Business Forms after 25yrs. and moved back to her home in Bryan.
Later, after the dissolution of her marriage to Mr. Washington, she met and married Rev. Samuel J. Walker, a local businessman and
owner of the Saroco Roofing Co. Pastor Dolphus N. Jones officiated the ceremony.
Helen, during her lifetime, was also a member of Goodwill Missionary Baptist Church where her mother Elva attended . She was elected
Treasurer and Secretary. After the passing of her mother in 2008, she moved her membership back to Greater Tabernacle, where she served
under the leadership of Pastor Lawrence Hicks and served as chairwoman of the Program Committee.
She later joined First Baptist Church in Bryan under the leadership of Pastor Jim Heiligman, where her friendly spirit and outgoing
personality gained her new friendships and acquaintances and remained there until the Lord called her home.
Helen was known for her sense of style and fashion and was often complimented on her coordinated wardrobe of hats, outfits, shoes,
handbags, and jewelry. Her talents were many, and in addition to her charm, charisma, magnetic personality, and outgoing persona, she
maintained a heart of grace and goodwill.
She also enjoyed her favorite pastime, working in her flower garden, and yard, and chatting with friends and neighbors as they drove and
stopped by.
Helen was a devoted, loving and caring Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Daughter, Sister, Aunt, Niece, Cousin, Friend,
Classmate and Co-worker. She will be dearly missed by all.
Helen is preceded in death by her parents James M. Sr and Elva M. Ayers, son Dale E. Ayers, sister Doretha K. Ayers Harris, and brother
James M. Ayers Jr.
She leaves to cherish her memories: two sons Dennis L. Washington (Carla), and Dwayne E. Washington (Tandra); three granddaughters
Jessica T. Wallace, Taylor S. Washington, and Kayla E. Washington; one great-grandson ZacharyWilliams; one great granddaughter, Hayley
Williams; one brother John E. Ayers (Tanya); two sisters Hazel J. Randle (John), and Alma J. Cotton (Craig); and a host of uncles, aunts,
cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends.

Funeral Service: Saturday, July 27, 2024 11:00 A.M. Goodwill Missionary Baptist Church F.M. 1362 North Caldwell, Texas 77836

Visitation Service: Friday, July 26, 2024 from 11:00A.M. until 7:00P.M. at Daniel & Son Funeral Home located at 401 West 18th Street, Bryan, Texas 77803