Wanda Helen Helms, 93, of Kennedale, Texas, went to her heavenly home on December 3, 2021. She was born July 10, 1928, in Grand Prairie, Texas, to the late Charles and Linnie Barnes. She graduated from Grand Prairie High School in 1945 and received her Associates degree in Business from DCCC in May 1976. Wanda retired from Texas Instruments/Raytheon after more than 30 years with the company.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Oleta Roberts and Rosa Lee Tuttle; son, Tracy Helms; and great-great granddaughter Aspen Collazo. Her first love and truly her legacy was her family. She is survived by son Tim Helms and wife Jane of Mansfield, Texas; daughters Teri Jackson and husband Mike of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, and Tami Ramey of Arlington, Texas; thirteen grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren.
Wanda had an abiding faith in the Lord, had a zest for life, loved to dance and play cards, had traveled extensively around the world, loved puzzles and word games that challenged her mind, and had a keen sense of humor. Wanda loved to sew and made 200+ quilts for family and friends over the years, in addition to making ‘dammit dolls’ for chemo patients at the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders and special projects for family members. She loved sports, especially baseball and football. She was a die-hard Texas Rangers fan and the Chicago Cubbies were a favorite of hers for many years. She was also a devoted Dallas Cowboys fan. Her TV was always tuned to a sports station.
A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Grand Prairie on Saturday, January 22, 2022, at 1:00 pm, followed by a Celebration of Life at the Summit in Grand Prairie at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the UNT Willed Body Program www.unthsc.edu/give/give-now/ or a charity of your choice.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grandprairiefh.com for the Helms family.
