Helen Frances Copley

Helen was born July 17, 1935, in Dallas, Texas, to Floyd and Gladys Arrowood Fason. She graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School, and briefly attended the University of Michigan, before returning to Dallas and graduating from Southern Methodist University. She loved being a Zeta and it thrilled her whenever she met a fellow Zeta. She married Ed Copley in 1957 and together they raised three children; Julie, Ward, and Drew. After their divorce, she met her life partner, David Pierce. Together "the Redneck and the Lady" traveled throughout the United States as she began her "Christy Quest", which had arisen after seeing a painting by the artist, Howard Chandler Christy, called "The Christ". In 1999, Helen published "The Christy Quest", which was the story of this research journey and the miracles that unfolded.

Helen was known as always being sweet and kind. Her friends meant the world to her. She proudly supported AA Chapters in Dallas and cherished the many friends that she made along the way. Always an encourager and willing to give you an ear, she impacted many people's lives.

Helen is preceded in death by her father, Floyd, mother, Gladys, and life partner, David. She is survived by her daughter, Julie Thomas and her husband, Terry, son; Ward and his wife, Cheri; 2 grandsons, Edward and Owen; son, Drew and his wife, Dee; 3 grandchildren, Cassie, Michael, and Lily; granddaughter Alex Franco and her husband, Tony; great-granddaughter, Parker; Alex's mother, Michelle Baird, and David Pierce's children and grandchildren.

The family would especially like to thank, Yolanda Gonzales, for not just being Helen's caregiver, but also a special friend. They would also like to thank the nursing staff at Presbyterian Village North and Faith Presbyterian Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation, which supports breast cancer education and awareness, Lafayette College in Easton, PA, for the Williams Arts Program/Art Gallery and Collections, where Helen recently donated her extensive Howard Chandler Christy Collection, or to a charity of your choosing.

The family will have a private graveside service to honor Helen's life. They ask anyone who has photos of Helen to submit them to this link: https://www.mem.com/memorysharing/7b391af7-46c0-4d09-a7d5-9bf82299debe?lang=en

so that your fond photos and memories of Helen can be included in her video slideshow, which will be live on this webpage once the photos have been received.