Lora Jean Hellen

HER LIFE & LEGACY

On July 3, 2026, our beloved matriarch, Lora Jean Hellen, affectionately known as “Momma,” “Granny” and “Queenie,” peacefully gained her wings, surrounded by the love of her family, at the age of 85.

Lora Jean Williams was born on May 3, 1941, in Neches, Texas, to the late Myrtle Williams (Johnson). She was also blessed by the love and presence of her stepfather, Chancy Johnson.

Her roots were firmly planted in Neches, Texas, where she graduated high school while family, faith, hard work, and dignity shaped her life.

Lora was a woman of strength, grace, beauty, wisdom, and resilience. Her loving spirit touched everyone who knew her.

Throughout her life, Lora served others through her work, family, and community. She built a distinguished career at Methodist Hospital in the Texas Medical Center, where she served with compassion and dedication until her retirement.

Lora accepted Jesus Christ at an early age and was baptized at Flint Hill Baptist Church in Neches, Texas, where she became grounded in her faith. Her faith remained a source of strength and sustained her through every season of life.

HER LIFE & LEGACY, CONTINUED

Upon graduation, Lora moved to Houston, Texas, where she married the late Willie Lee Hellen, Sr. Their union was blessed with five children, each of whom she loved deeply.

Lora was the proud and devoted mother of Cheryl Brumfield, Willie L. Hellen, Jr., Iva Hellen-Jean-Jacques, Michael A. Hellen, Sr., and Loranda Hellen-Thomas and her husband, Pastor Hermie L. Thomas, Jr., Momma’s devoted son-in-law.

To her children, she was their foundation, safe place, and greatest supporter. Her wisdom and love will continue to guide them.

LORA JEAN HELLEN
Affectionately known as
“Momma,” “Granny” and “Queenie”

WHAT SHE LOVED TO DO

Lora loved her family above all else. She loved cooking meals that brought everyone to the table, hosting family gatherings filled with laughter, and making every celebration special.

She enjoyed traveling, listening to blues music, shopping, and watching her favorite game shows.

Most of all, she loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her home was always open, and her heart was even bigger. She had a gift for making everyone feel welcome, loved, and cared for.

Although our hearts are saddened by her physical absence, we rejoice in knowing that Momma is healed, restored, and resting safely in the arms of Jesus.

HER LIFE & LEGACY, CONTINUED

Lora’s heart expanded beautifully with every generation. She was a loving and proud grandmother to thirteen grandchildren:

Michael A. Hellen, Jr.; Desiree Kennedy; Willie Lee Hellen, III and his wife, Aja Hellen; Aja Jones; Claude Gilmore and his wife, Courtney Gordon Gilmore; Judah S. Thomas; Royal D. Thomas; Kobe Hellen; Kia Hellen; Kianna Hudson; and Jordan Duncan.

She was a treasured great-grandmother to nine great-grandchildren:

Serenity Carter Hellen, Kobe Hellen, Jr., Keon Hudson, Avonna Duncan, Kapri Hellen, Elijah Gilmore, Marley Gilmore, Baby Xylo, and Baby Nash.

Lora shared a special bond with her family and was deeply loved by her siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

She was a cherished sister, aunt, friend, and godmother whose love extended throughout her family and her extended family in Palestine, Texas.

HER LIFE & LEGACY, CONTINUED

She leaves to treasure her precious memory: her five devoted children; thirteen beloved grandchildren; seven treasured great-grandchildren; her beloved brother, Curtis Charles Johnson, affectionately known as “Uncle Charles,” and his wife, Mattie Johnson; her godsons, Edward Hamilton and Paxton Abrams (Packy); her goddaughters, Charlotte Crawford and Tuesday Glenn; her nephews, Henry Owens, Brandon Johnson, and Tyrone Johnson; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, family, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her:

• husband, Willie Lee Hellen, Sr.;
• mother, Myrtle Johnson;
• loving grandparents, Fletcher Williams and Sarah Williams; great-parents, Henry Williams and Hannah Williams; stepfather, Chancy Johnson;
• paternal grandparents;
• beloved sister, Shirley Gail Johnson, affectionately known as “Sister”;
• brother, Chancy Evans Johnson, affectionately known as “Uncle Fat”;
• cherished uncles, L.T. Williams, Richard Williams, Hiawatha Williams, and Booker T. Williams;
• her two precious great-grandchildren, Baby Xylo and Baby Nash, who gained their heavenly wings in 2026; other beloved relatives who welcomed her into eternal rest.