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Helen Josephine Stephens Nicholson, age 100, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother entered into eternal peace on February 17, 2013. Helen was born October 19, 1912 in the Myatt settlement near Mammoth Spring in Fulton County, Arkansas, one of 10 children born to Thomas Pleasant and Zilphia Wood Stephens. She married Troy Wesley Nicholson on March 15, 1934 in Mammoth Spring, AR. After returning from Europe in World War II, Troy remained in the Army and the family eventually moved to San Antonio Fort Sam Houston, Texas. They were married for 65 years before Troy's passing in 1999. Troy and Helen had 8 daughters: Mary Wilkins of Pasadena, TX, Norah "Jitter" Denman, of Bandera, TX, Paula Jean Nicholson deceased at age four, Alice McDaniel of Kerrville, TX, Carolyn Dunkin John of Gatewood, MO, Jo Nicholson-Schneider Bob of San Antonio, TX and Mammoth Spring, AR, and twins Denise Nicholson and Deborah Nicholson-Waddell Joe of Bandera, TX. Other survivors include her beloved grandchildren: Lynnda Kiesel, Charles Cloninger Tonia, Kathy West, Philip McDaniel Tammy, Steve Cloninger, Donald McDaniel Regina, Bobby Dunkin Robyn, Peggy Salathe Billy, Carolyn Coke Justin and Troy Jacques; beloved great-grandchildren: Kari Latronico Patrick, Stacie Otte , Chuck Cloninger Ana, Keli Kiesel, Linsey Cloninger, Jeremy Callaway, Cody Cloninger, Katherine and T.J. McDaniel Heather, J.D. West, Josh Macias, Carley and Colby Chapmond, Clay, Kendall, and Meredith Dunkin, and Kenly and Logan Coke; also her beloved great-great grandchildren: Evan and Harper Cloninger, Sheridon Graves, Rylee Gembler, Adyson Otte, and Gary and J. C. McDaniel. Both Helen and Troy grew up on neighboring farms and attended school together in a one-room schoolhouse. A spirited, spiritual and active woman, she was determined to remain independent as long as possible. Both Helen and Troy were active members in the West Avenue Church of Christ where they served as Sunday school teacher and Deacon, respectively. She was a life-long Democrat and participated in every election. She was a life-long league bowler from the late 1960's until 2006. She won many trophies and championships and represented the state of Texas in a national senior's tournament in Nevada. She was active in and supported many charitable causes. After he retired, Troy joined her in the bowling activities and they traveled to many states across the country and shared many happy memories and friendships. She told her children her goal in life was to be a good wife and mother and they all agreed that she far surpassed her goal in both jobs. She is dearly beloved by her grand, great and great-great grandchildren. She established a special relationship with each one of them that made them feel they were the most loved of all. She also wrote many poems from her life experiences; copies of which have been bound for each of her daughters. She was an artist who painted in watercolor and charcoal. A spirited, spiritual and active woman, she was determined to remain independent as long as possible Into her old age, she remained witty and fun and never lost her ability to enjoy life no matter where she was. She was a partner in a marriage that raised their daughters to be independent, self-sufficient, giving and loving – selfishness and prejudice was not permitted in their home. Her greatest wish was that all her descendants be good Christians and be good to their fellow man. Visitation , memorial services, and burial will be held Friday, February 22, 2013. Visitation at 1:00 p.m., Services at 2:00 p.m., Graveside Services at 2:30 p.m. approximate at the Mission Burial Park North Mausoleum Chapel at 20900 IH West, San Antonio, Texas. Condolences and farewell messages may be left at the Mission Park website: missionparks.com. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the University Oaks Church of Christ Building Fund, 4687 Lockhill Selma Road, San Antonio, Tx. 78249.

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Helen Josephine Stephens Nicholson

October 19, 1912 - February 17, 2013