Helen Marie Nelson

Published 12:01 am Wednesday, April 27, 2022


Helen Marie Nelson, 87, passed away peacefully April 16, 2022, surrounded by her loved ones in Austin, Texas. Helen was born Feb. 1, 1935, the daughter of Lou Anna and Edgar Hebert of Lake Charles, La. Helen attended McNeese State University where she majored in home economics, performed as a majorette, and was highly active in several organizations. Helen was a charter member of University Methodist Church of Lake Charles, La. She was an avid reader and a member of the Bastrop Ladies Reading Circle, the oldest reading club in the state of Texas. Helen recently received recognition as the oldest member of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. Helen was a talented cook. She deeply enjoyed cooking for her family and friends and collected many cookbooks as sources of inspiration. Helen was a longtime, active member of First United Methodist Church of Bastrop, Texas, Eastern Star, Methodist Christian Circle, and Home Economist. Helen is survived by her three children, Debra N. Carson of Smithville, Texas; Sharon L. Gassiott (William), of Bastrop, Texas; and Melissa N. Young of Austin, Texas; nine grandchildren, Katherine Cook, Lindsey Colon (Alex), Douglas Cook, Sarah Gassiott, Jack A. Nelson (Morgan), Miller Cook, Anna Foster (Stephen), Katharine Carson, and William Nelson; nine great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Billie Jo Nelson of San Antonio, Texas; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Helen was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, the love of her life, Jack M. Nelson of Bastrop, Texas; parents, Lou Anna and Edgar Hebert of Lake Charles, La.; sister, Cynthia A. McManus of Lake Charles, La.; and son, Jack R. Nelson and his wife Elizabeth V. Nelson of Bastrop, Texas. A Service of Remembrance for Helen was held at Marrs-Jones-Newby Funeral Home on Saturday, April 23. She was laid to rest beside her husband at Fairview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Association.

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