Helen Stephenson's Obituary
Helen Lee Stephenson passed from this world to her heavenly home on July 31, 2023 after a short illness. She will be greatly missed.
Helen was a native Oklahoman, born in Heavener, Oklahoma on June 23, 1923 to Harry and Winnie Bunch Ball. Helen was the middle child with an older sister, Virginia and her younger brother, Harry “Buddy”.
She grew up in Wewoka, Oklahoma and during the summers at her grandparents’ home in Berryville, Arkansas. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church, Camp Fire Girls, and Order of the Rainbow for Girls. Her interests included art and knitting. Helen played drums in the Wewoka High School Band and later in a Kiltie Band. Helen attended Secretarial School and became a member of the Order of the Eastern Star after graduating High School. In July of 2023, Helen was presented her 70-year pin as a member of the Grand Chapter of Oklahoma, Order of the Eastern Star.
She was introduced to Joe by his twin brother, Julian, while Joe was on leave from the Army during World War II. They married on November 30, 1945. They lived in Oklahoma City and Portland, Oregon before settling in Tulsa, where she lived for over 69 years. She has a daughter, Nancy and a son, Nelson. The family was active in the Congregational Church where Helen taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and lead a Religious Interpretative Dance group for High School girls. Later the family joined the First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa. She was active with Nancy in Camp Fire Girls and the Order of the Rainbow for Girls. Helen participated with Nelson and Joe in the Boy Scouts of America. During this time, Helen worked for the Tulsa Public Schools as a payroll clerk in the Cafeteria Department. As her children went off to college, she returned to her love of art. She has painted with oils, taught basket weaving, and knitting. When she retired, she took a part-time job at a knit shop. Never one to be idle, she took up China Painting as a new hobby. Her work has been displayed at the China Painting Museum in Oklahoma City. She joined John Knox Presbyterian close to her home and served on the Board of Deacons.
In 2017 Helen moved to Parsons House in Frisco, TX to be near Nancy and Rick. Helen's bucket list included learning how to play the Ukulele. At Parsons House, a volunteer helped
her fulfill her dream. In March of 2023, Helen moved with Nancy and Rick to Houston to be near their grandchildren. Helen celebrated her 100th birthday on June 23, 2023 with her family.
She received a shower of cards and best wishes from her family and friends.
Helen was proceeded in death by her husband, Joseph M. Stephenson, her parents Harry and Winnie Bunch Ball, her sister, Virginia and Ernst Smart and her brother, Harry “Buddy”
and Jessie Ball.
Helen Stephenson is survived by her daughter, Nancy and her better half, Richard Hardy. Her son Nelson and her favorite daughter-in-law Kathy Stephenson. Helen has four grandsons, Karl Hardy, Stephen Hardy, Richard and wife Kimberly Hardy, Brian and wife Miranda Stephenson, granddaughter Allison Stephenson, two great-grandsons Vaughn Hardy and Adam Stephenson and a great-granddaughter Mirabell Hardy.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Helen Stephenson’s name to
John Knox Presbyterian Church, 2929 E. 31 St., Tulsa, Oklahoma, 74105.
Visitation will be held Sunday, August 6, 2023 from 1-5 PM at Floral Haven Funeral Home
Funeral service will be held Monday, August 7, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Floral Haven Funeral Home Chapel.
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