Helen Sheffield, of College Station, Texas passed away in her sleep surrounded by family this past Tuesday morning, November 13th, 2012. She was 81 years old. Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 15th from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at Callaway-Jones Funeral Home, 3001 S. College Ave. in Bryan, Texas. Church services will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, November 16, 2012 at A & M United Methodist Church, 417 University Drive. Service will be followed by a reception at the church.
Helen Fontenot Sheffield was born in Ville Platt, Louisiana to Rena L. Fontenot and Eva West. Her step father was Thomas Amrhein. She completed her preparatory education in Pine Prairie, Louisiana and received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from The University of Louisiana – Lafayette in 1951 and Bachelor of Science Degree in Education in 1963 from The University of Louisiana-Monroe.
While attending The University in Lafayette, Helen met and fell in love with William J. Sheffield. A wedding soon followed on June 16, 1951. The couple came to College Station in 1967, so Bill could attend graduate school at Texas A & M University and then enter a doctoral program in wildlife science. They were married 61 years,
Helen taught high school biology, chemistry and physics for 27 years before retiring in 1996. She was devoted to A & M Methodist church and a frequent Sunday school teacher. She participated in a variety of religious programs including The United Methodist Women’s Ministry, The Golden Rule class, and the church’s college student program.
Helen was passionate about using her talents and leadership abilities to support communities such as the Brazos Writers, with whose support she produced five books and many short stories and magazine articles. She loved tennis and was in the woman’s tennis league for many years where great friendships were forged. Helen was also an artist who worked in multiple mediums and enjoyed doing portraits and nature scenes.
Above all, she loved her family. She is survived by her husband Dr. William James Sheffield, three children and their spouses; Jim and Karen Sheffield of Spring, Texas, T.J. and Deborah Sheffield Wainerdi of Katy, Texas, and David and Carol Sheffield Lapin of Houston, Texas. Helen’s grandchildren include Eva Kluber, Allison Waldman and husband Richard, Lindsey Lapin, and Lara Lapin. Great Children are Bridget Burkhalter and Reagan Waldman.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Hospice, Bryan Valley, In-Care patient Facility, 1600 Joseph Drive, Bryan, Texas 66802.
View her Book of Memories™ at CallawayJones.com
Dear Sheffield,
Qur hearts were so saddened to learn of the home-going of yours and ours sweet Helen. She was one of God’s special people who was always ready to help others from the time we first met her 56 years ago at LSU. Her warm, graceful way of interacting with people mixed with the charm of that sweet laugh just made you feel a part of your family. We know you are going to miss her a lot. You will be in our thoughts and prayers daily. Love, Louis, Doris, and Anne Brunett