Helen Margaret Adams' Obituary
Now playing Boogie Woogie for everyone in heaven… Helen was born on May 27, 1915 in Trenton, TX and passed away on October 21, 2009 at the age of 94. Preceding her in death along with her parents, Margaret Morrison Connelly and Walter Patton Connelly, were her sisters Nina (Mrs. Paul) Butler, Nana (Mrs. Claude) Lindley, Jennie Mae (Mrs. Cecil) Davis, and brothers, Mr. Bud Walden Connelly and Mr. Morrison Connelly. Helen graduated from Trenton High School, from East Texas State (now Texas A&M at Commerce) and received her masters degree from Texas A&I (now) Texas A&M at Kingsville. She married Erman John Adams on March 11, 1939. Helen was an accomplished pianist. In answer to questions about how long she had been playing the piano, she would say, “I can’t remember when I couldn’t play.” She was still playing for residents and staff at Settlers Ridge right up until a few weeks before her death. Settlers Ridge awarded her a certificate of appreciation for her willingness to entertain everyone. Helen played every style of music from sacred to boogie woogie to George Gershwin to Burt Bacharach. She played for “old time minstrel shows” years ago, accompanied vocal and instrumental performers, taught piano, served as church pianist for two churches, and loved playing for others and for herself. She found playing for others a natural way to make friends and share happiness. Helen, husband Erman, and daughter Linda were founding members of the Baptist Temple Church in San Benito, where Helen played the piano and sometimes the organ. She was the church pianist at the Northridge Park Baptist Church in San Antonio after the family moved to San Antonio in 1965. After Helen and Erman moved to Garland in 1985 to be closer to her daughter and family, she accompanied the Young at Heart choir at Orchard Hills Baptist Church, where she enjoyed working with Zack Young, Minister of Music. She also enjoyed her Bible study class at Shiloh Terrace Baptist Church, teaching when she could and playing for her Sunday School department. Helen taught English and sometimes music and Spanish for 20 years at the junior high school in Harlingen, TX. After moving to San Antonio she taught English at Garner Junior High in the Northeast School District for 20 years before she retired. She enjoyed her membership in Delta Kappa Gamma, a teacher’s organization. She was also a member of the D.A.R. Helen loved rehearsing with and accompanying her daughter for various civic musical performances. Many of her friends and family friends will miss her playing at open houses and parties. Her great grandson Zach surprised her at her 90th birthday party by playing “Dizzy Fingers”, and then they played it together on two pianos. Helen’s lasting gifts to her family are her positive spirit and appreciation for everything she received, her musical ability, her faithful example to our Lord and his church, and her unbounded love. Survivors include her daughter Linda, husband Ron; grandsons Scott Montgomery and wife Amy; and Michael Montgomery and wife, Tiffani; great grandchildren: Zachary Montgomery, Cati Montgomery, Madison Montgomery, Taryn Montgomery and Ainsley Montgomery. She also leaves wonderful nieces and nephews and a large number of extended Connelly family relatives. Visitation will be Friday, October 23, from 6-8:00PM at Restland in Dallas. Celebration of her long life will be held at the Wildwood Chapel Saturday, October 24, at 12:30 PM. We can already hear the boggie woogie starting…………………………
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