Loriece Helton

Mary Loriece Turner Helton, died peacefully Wednesday, August 2, 2017 at Providence Hospice Place.

Memorial Service: 4:00 p.m. Saturday, August 12, 2017 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Waco with the Rev. Ray Waldon and the Rev. Sharron Cox officiating. Prior to the Memorial service, the family will have gathered for a brief committal ceremony at Oakwood Cemetery.

Loriece was born at home in Red Level, Citrus County, Florida on December 16, 1928 to Rubin Layport Turner and Laurine Oralee Carter. She graduated from Crystal River High School in 1946. While working for Swift Packing Company in Ocala, Florida, she met cattle buyer Dick Helton, who had transferred from Mississippi. Their relationship blossomed into romance until they married on November 2, 1952.

Family was an important, if not the most important, part of Loriece’s life. She and her sisters created many happy memories through cooking and baking (especially pumpkin logs), entertaining friends and families, and being on the water in Crystal River. Loriece was often found quilting and working in the yard. In 1997, after Dick retired, the couple moved to Lorena where they would be close to the lights of their lives: their grandchildren, Cinco and Richelle. Loriece adored her grandchildren and loved being a grandmother. She even acted as grandmother for other kids who didn’t have any. While in Lorena, she loved cooking for Meals on Wheels at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Waco.

Loriece had a kind, gentle soul. Her thoughts were often focused on others and on what she could do to help. She may have been short, but her presence filled the room. Her siblings regarded her as a loving, caring sister who was there for her family when needed.

Loriece was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, John Richard “Dick” Helton; her parents, Rubin and Laurine Turner; son, John Richard “Ricky” Helton, Jr.; brother, James Turner; and sisters Marie Brown, Bonita Cannon, and Murl Morrison all from Florida.

She is survived by daughter, Tricia Braswell, son-in-law, Robert Braswell, grandson, Cinco Braswell and granddaughter, Richelle Braswell all of Lorena; sisters, Ailene Hudson of Crystal River, Florida, Margie Saults of Perry, Florida, Bobbie Simmons of Atlantis, Florida; special “family” Ruben Maldonado; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and cousins.
Having been blessed with exceptional caregivers, Loriece’s family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Dr. Tim Martindale, nurse Michelle Chinn and those many assistants from Bluebonnet Home Health, Comfort Keepers and Senior Care of Hewitt.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in Loriece’s name be directed to Meals on Wheels, 501 W Waco Dr, Waco, TX 76707; Waco Montessori School, 1920 Columbus Ave, Waco, TX 76701; St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 515 Columbus Ave, Waco, TX 76701; or the charity of your preference.

Place of Service: St. Paul Episcopal Church , 515 Columbus Ave.; Waco, TX 76701