Helen Nelson

Helen Marie Nelson, 87, passed away peacefully April 16, 2022, surrounded by her loved ones in Austin, Texas. Helen was born February 1, 1935, the daughter of Lou Anna and Edgar Hebert of Lake Charles, Louisiana.

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, Louisiana. 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 and her husband, William, of Bastrop, Texas; and Melissa N. Young of Austin, Texas. Helen had nine grandchildren, Katherine Cook, Lindsey Colon and her husband, Alex, Douglas Cook, Sarah Gassiott, Jack A. Nelson and his wife, Morgan, Miller Cook, Anna Foster and her husband, Stephen, Katharine Carson, and William Nelson. Helen had 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, the love of her life, Jack M. Nelson of Bastrop, Texas. Helen and Jack were married 61 years. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, Lou Anna and Edgar Hebert of Lake Charles, Louisiana; her sister, Cynthia A. McManus of Lake Charles, Louisiana; and her son, Jack R. Nelson and his wife Elizabeth V. Nelson of Bastrop, Texas.

A Service of Remembrance for Helen will be held at Marrs-Jones-Newby Funeral Home on Saturday, April 23, at 1:00 p.m. Visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m. She will be laid to rest beside her husband at Fairview Cemetery immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Association.