I did not know Helen but for about four years. We had such fun times when we were together. She was such a special lady and I will always remember her and her wonderful disposition. You were all very fortunate to have had such a marvelous Mother; she loved ALL of you so much.

Marlene Powell, the daughter of Tanya, told me she was going to go to Las Vegas to see a friend there and would be helping her with a garage sale. Marlene suggested I go along and said Helen would not mind my joining them and that I would surely like her. I did go along and what a great time WE did have! June was living with your Mom at that time and we had more laughs and fun than the law allows. We actually only did the garage sale one day as WE were just having too much fun. Instead of doing HER garage sale the four of us went to garage sales OURSELVES... what great laughs we had together

At that time I had occasion to meet one of your brothers and he and I talked together for quite some time as I was acquainted with folks in Beaumont etc. I do not remember his name but as I recall he was one of the younger ones. I got to meet her granddaughter, Mira, and heard stories about the grandchild in Rome. By the time I left I felt like I knew all your family.

Your Mom came to Calif. a time or so after that and we got together again. After your Mom repossessed the house and the young fellow (Larry?) was living there, I saw your Mom again. I had accompanied my daughter-in-law to LV so that she could attend a conference for Travel Agents at the MGM. I spent several days with Helen at that time and this time we helped a lady and grandchild across the street get ready for a garage sale. I went with her to one of your brother's beautiful home on one of the nights. Again, Helen and I had a great time. After this we relied on the computer and kept in touch by email.

I believe my last visit to her home was the last time I saw her. She had been sick for some time and somehow I did not learn of that right away. I called and spoke with her about a month before she passed. I could tell she was heavily medicated but she knew me, laughed and chatted about all the fun we four had that one Saturday so long ago at the garage sales. She went on to tell me she was getting better (I knew from Marlene how ill she really was) I am so glad I made that last call to her. Helen was such a friendly, unpretentious, warm, giving and genuine lady. She had a wonderful way of putting you at ease and including you in her circle of friends. She opened her heart to me and I felt I had known her for years.

If we ever get together, perhaps I can share a few more stories or thoughts. To you and your family please know what a great pleasure it was for me to have known her. I too miss Helen very, very, much and cannot believe she is no longer with us.

With Love,

Shirley Payne

May 26, 2002