Helen Jeanetta Roberts

Preceded in death by: both parents, Mamie and Adolph; her first husband, Allen Rice and second husband, Larry Roberts; daughter Maretta Rice; grandsons James Martin and Brandon Brigham; and all 10 siblings – Annie Donaldson, Lilly Burke, Ruby Burrier, Evelyn Waggner, Mildred Jackson, Ruth Mittel, Della Graham, Adolph Simmank, John Simmank, and James Simmank.

Helen has a total of 7 children (10 including those by marriage): Mary Frances, Gene (Virginia), Beverly (Jed), Roger (Jaida), Maretta, Claudel and Rosey; as well as 18 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

Hobbies: Poker, Bingo, cooking for family gatherings, and doing for others.

Helen was a Christian woman. She would do without so that she could do for others, even “strangers”. I quote strangers because she never really met one. Seeing others happy filled her heart. For many years she made a dinner plate to take to the store clerks at Cedar Valley Grocery on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, before making her own plate. Despite enduring much tragedy in her life, including the loss of two husbands, a child, and a grandchild, she never lost her faith in the Lord. She cried during the prayer she led at every family gathering, thanking the Lord for family, the love and generosity he provides us, and never failed to pray for our country, our troops, and anyone doing without.

WHEN TOMORROW STARTS WITHOUT ME

When tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand, That an angel came and called my name, and took me by the hand; The angel said my place was ready, In Heaven far above, and that I’d have to leave behind all those I dearly love, which was not easy for me. But when I walked through Heaven’s Gates, I felt so much at home and at peace, for God looked down, smiled at me, And said “Welcome Home.” So when tomorrow starts without me, Don’t think we’re far apart, for every time you think of me, I’m right there in your heart.

A visitation for Helen will be held Friday, September 24, 2021 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, TX 78749. A funeral service will occur Saturday, September 25, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home and Memorial Park.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldenforestoaks.com for the Roberts family.