Helen Marie King Tillison

Helen Marie Tillison, born June 24, 1932 to Maurice and Beulah Edwards King in Nacogdoches, Texas, passed away May 27, 2010. She will be reunited in heaven with her husband of 31 years, Vernon R. (Dick) Tillison, who preceded her in death in 1985.

Helen graduated from Nacogdoches High School in 1949 and Stephen F. Austin State University in 1953.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, and her two brothers, Harmon and C.C. (Spec) King. She is survived by three sons, a daughter, and three grandchildren: Michael Tillison of Long Beach, California; Craig Tillison of Bellaire, Texas along with his wife Jennifer and their daughter Stephanie; Kent Tillison of Coppell, Texas; and Karen Tillison Gorham of Coppell, Texas, along with her husband Jason and their two daughters, Alexis and Olivia. She is also survived by four sisters-in-law: Margaret King of Conroe, Texas; Evelyn Mason of Henderson, Texas; Faye Dorsey and her husband, Farrell, of Henderson, Texas, and Vivian Wilder and her husband, Odis, of Lafayette, Louisiana. Helen is also survived by numerous nephews and nieces.

The family would like to thank the many doctors and nurses who cared for Helen during the past year, especially those at Baylor Specialty Center in Dallas, where she spent her final months. We would also like to express our appreciation for the care and compassion the Hospice nurses gave to Helen and her family in her final days.

Helen will be laid to rest on June 3, 2010 at 12:00 noon at Forest Park Lawndale, located at 6900 Lawndale in Houston, Texas 77023. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., immediately before the funeral. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate gifts to the Vasculitis Foundation at P.O Box 28660 Kansas City, Missouri 64188