Helen Louise Briley's Obituary
Beloved mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great grandmother left this world on July 15, 2016 at the age of 90. She was preceded in death by her sweet husband, Charles William Briley II. She was born on September 13, 1925 in Midlothian, Texas to Clarence Raymond and Ruth Crenshaw. After losing her mother at a very young age, Helen, her brother and sisters went to live at Lena Pope Home in Forth Worth. It was there that she would meet her future husband, Charles, who was also a resident. They were married in February 1943 and enjoyed 63 beautiful years together, producing three children, Charlotte, Charles William III and Shirley. Helen was a talented seamstress and an amateur artist. She was an executive secretary for Employers Insurance of Texas and worked for several years in the payroll department at Braniff Airlines. Her years at Braniff allowed her and Charles many opportunities to travel} which they thoroughly loved, her favorite place being Hawaii where they visited on several occasions. Helen was a member of the Eastern Star at Edwin J. Kiest Masonic Lodge. Helen loved playing cards with her family. The entire family knew that after one of her many dinners or Sunday lunches (where her world famous potato salad was sure to be served) that a rowdy game of cards was sure to break out! She was an active member of Casa View Christian Church where she enjoyed her weekly games of 42 dominoes (previously won a first place trophy in a tournament) and singing in the choir. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a quick wit that she maintained until her final days. That beautiful white head of hair and mischievous smile intoxicated all that knew her. She was loved by all. In addition to her dear husband and parents she was also ‘preceded in death by her sister, Katherine Ruth Barnard and brothers} Clarence Raymond Jr. and Kenneth Darrel Crenshaw. Helen is survived by her three children and their families: Charlotte Briley Wilson and her four children, David Wilson and his daughters; Jessica Ocanas and husband Jacob and son, Joshua, Maegan Wilson and Emily Wilson; Karen and Tom Hoffman; Dan and Sherry Wilson and her daughter, Shannon; and Jeff Wilson Charles William Briley III and wife Pat and her children John, Kathy, Greg and wife Lisa and Pat’s grandchildren Alyssa, Amanda, Liam, Conner and Aiden and great-grandchildren Jarnmle, Nora and Jimmy. Shirley Briley Lilly and her son, Christopher Lilly and her daughter, Jennifer Lilly Belniak and husband Duane and their sons Max and Henry. Helen is also survived by her sisters Eva Mae Haggard, Imogene Baland and Meleda lindley and their families. A brief graveside service will be held at Restland Cemetary 13005 Greenville Avenue in Dallas on Friday morning, July 22nd at 10 AM in the Court of Faith area. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Casa View Christian Church at 2230 Barnes Bridge Road in Dallas on Saturday morning, July 23rd• Visitation from 10:00 to 10:45. Service begins at 11:00. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, at Restland Road, Dallas, TX 75243. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Helen’s memory to Golden Acres Nursing Home, 2525 Centerville Road, Dallas 75228 or to Hospice Custom Care, 6606 LBJ Freeway, Suite 110, Dallas 75240 or to the Casa View Christian Church Music Ministry.
What’s your fondest memory of Helen?
What’s a lesson you learned from Helen?
Share a story where Helen's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Helen you’ll never forget.
How did Helen make you smile?