Helen Smith's Obituary
SMITH, HELEN JANE KELLER was born in Waco, Texas, on April 11, 1924, to Hallie Pace and James Olin Keller. Her younger sister, Ara Ann Keller, preceded her in death. Helen graduated from Baylor University in Waco, and she was an active member of the Urbanites, Alpha Kappa Delta, and Delta Theta Chi. After marrying Jack Garner Smith of Waco on January 20, 1946, they moved to Garland, Texas, where Jack become one of the founders of Varo, Inc. Both Helen and Jack were active in many community activities including the JayCees. Helen served on the PTA board while their sons were in school in Garland, and she was an active member of the Bud and Blossom Garden Club of Garland for many years. Jack became President and CEO of Varo, Inc., and Helen supported him by being a wonderful homemaker and mother to their two sons, James M. and William G. Smith. After Jack’s passing in 1982, Helen filled her days by becoming a volunteer at Baylor Garland Hospital for many years, and she made many wonderful friends during her time volunteering at the hospital. Helen, or “Nana” as her granddaughters and great-grandchildren know her, had a great influence on them all. They all know that she loved them and was devoted to them, and that she was a kind-hearted, loving, and understanding grandmother – none of them can imagine anyone more kind and loving. As the granddaughters have expressed, “Nana” was “not just their grandmother, she was their best friend and confidant.” She is survived by her sons, William G. and James M. Smith, her daughters-in-law Dolores and Bethena Smith, and her grandchildren – Kimberley Chouffet, Stephanie Smith, Stacey Conway, and Alyson Verducci, as well as her 4 great-grandchildren, Hunter, Jack Maddox, Hallie, and Isabella. “Nana” never met a stranger – she always made you feel loved and part of her family. We will miss you here, Mom, but we know you are with Dad and in a better place. God be with you.
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