Mary Helen Smith

Mary Helen (Clements) Smith of Midland, TX passed away peacefully of old age on May 20, 2025.  A Mass of Christian Burial for Mary Helen (Clements) Smith will be held on Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 2:30 pm at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church, 4601 Neely Ave in Midland. Viewing will be Friday, May 23, 2025 from 5 to 7 pm at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home, 3800 N Big Spring St in Midland. A rosary service will immediately follow the viewing at 7 pm. The burial will take place at Resthaven Cemetery, 4616 N Big Spring in Midland, on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 11 am.

Helen passed away peacefully of old age on May 20th. She was with her best friend, constant companion, and beloved daughter Elizabeth (Libby) Smith.

Born on November 22, 1926, in Crowley, Texas, Helen was the youngest of five children of Luther and Ruby Clements. She was raised on the family farm south of Crowley and Fort Worth, where she developed her deep love for the outdoors and a special bond with her father, whom she often followed like a shadow. As a child, she rode horses bareback and was regularly driving a truck from the age of twelve. She had an amazing memory and sense of direction. Once she said if she had gone somewhere she would always be able to find her way back. Her siblings John, Steve, Jim, and Anne preceded her in death.

Helen attended Our Lady of Victory in Fort Worth for all her schooling, where she was inspired by the care and guidance of the nuns. She later graduated from Texas Christian University in 1948. In 1949, she made the profound and personal decision to convert to Roman Catholicism— a faith that would remain central to her life.

While working in Galveston, Texas, Helen met Jerome “Jerry” Smith, the love of her life. They were married in 1950 and shared more than 65 deeply devoted years together until Jerry’s passing in 2015. Their marriage was a beautiful partnership built on mutual respect and unwavering support. They were true companions and best friends, creating a home filled with love and hospitality.

Helen was the proud mother of two daughters, Catherine (Prakash) Shenoy and Elizabeth Smith. Most of her daughters’ childhood was spent in Lubbock. Helen was active in St. Elizabeth’s Parish for the 20 plus years they lived in Lubbock.

In 1979, after her two children had left the home and her husband’s work took them to Minnesota, Helen became certified in Drug and Alcohol Counseling through the Hazelden Foundation. For more than 40 years, she served individuals and families across West Texas as an addiction specialist. Helping people find hope and healing brought her immense purpose and joy. She worked into her mid-eighties making a difference in many lives. Service to others was the guiding principle of Helen’s life. She was a tireless volunteer and gave generously of her time and heart to many causes, with a special passion for the work of Helping Hands of Midland. Through her volunteer work, she built lasting friendships and quietly affected countless lives.

Helen was known affectionately as “Nonna” to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was grandmother to Nicholas (Maia) Rolla, Sushila (Will) Shenoy, and Chandra (Chris) Paff Shenoy. During the summers she would spend time with them in Fort Davis at Prude Ranch or in the mountains of Cloudcroft, NM.  She was also blessed with four great-grandchildren—Piper, Landrie, Eli, and Santiago—whom she adored.

Helen and Jerry shared a love for travel and discovery. Their journeys took them across the world—from a memorable trip through China in 1990 to a remarkable train adventure across the former Soviet Union. These experiences reflected their adventurous spirit and curiosity about the world. When she was in her sixties, she took a weeklong jeep trip into the Sahara by herself.

Helen was the heart of her extended family. She stayed in close contact with nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends across generations. She was the one everyone turned to—whether for news, support, or a chat. Her presence was a steady comfort, and her generosity knew no bounds.

Helen was a creature of habit, enjoying toast, coffee, and orange juice every morning. She was a well-known lover of game shows her entire life including The Price is Right, Family Feud, and Jeopardy. She was also an enthusiastic Dallas Cowboys and Texas Tech Red Raiders fan. She and Jerry went to all Texas Tech football and basketball games when they lived in Lubbock. At the end of the football season, she would start counting forward to the next one.

Seeing the world, taking advantage of opportunities as they present themselves and seizing the day were common themes throughout her life.  She valued family and God more than anything else. She set a wonderful example of how to live life for her friends, family, and God. She was generous with everyone who knew her. She wanted everyone to do good and fulfill their potential.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made in Helen’s honor to Helping Hands or St. Stephen’s, continuing her legacy of compassion and community care.

Donation link to Helping Hands: https://helpinghandsmidland.com/#donate

Donation link to St. Stephen’s: https://ststephensmidland.com/donation

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

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