Helen Sue Ward

In Loving Memory of Helen Sue Ward Anderson

Helen Sue Ward Anderson was born on August 29, 1931, and passed from this life to her eternal reward on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. She was preceded in death by her husband of fifty-five years, Frank Ross Anderson, her parents Eddie and Sula Ward, her brother, Ralph Jennings Ward, and her nephew Cubie Edward Ward, Jr. She joined a host of family, friends, and students who preceded her and welcomed her through the portals of glory. She also left behind a host of admiring cousins, friends, and students.

Early Life and Education

Helen was the first in her family to graduate from university. She earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Baylor University. However, what she spoke most often about was her graduation from Navarro College in 1956, which gave her the confidence to pursue higher education. Helen was especially proud that she earned money to pay for her own education, though her father did help with some of her Baylor expenses. She often told her students, “If you know why you want an education, you will find a way to finance your education.”

Teaching Career

After completing her teaching degree, Helen began her career in education with a couple of years teaching in the Emhouse public schools. Following this initial experience, she moved on to McGregor, where she devoted the majority of her forty-year teaching career to second grade students in the McGregor, Texas public schools. Helen was known for her dedication, patience, and ability to inspire young minds. Later in her career, she transitioned to teaching business classes the Woodway High School, sharing her knowledge and passion for learning with older students as well.

Helen’s commitment to education touched generations of students, many of whom remembered her as a caring and encouraging presence in their lives. Her influence extended beyond the classroom, as she often mentored new teachers and supported her colleagues with wisdom and kindness.

Passions and Hobbies

Sewing was Helen’s second passion. She was likely inspired to learn sewing by her mother’s resourcefulness during Helen’s early years in public school. Helen often shared stories about her “Gladiola dresses” that her mother fashioned from flour sacks. She was meticulous with her creations, ranging from plain, everyday wear to intricate coats and jackets that became the envy of her community.

Family and Community

Helen met Frank after accepting an invitation from the McLennan County Rural Electrical Corporation to work for a summer in McGregor, on a program she had successfully completed earlier at the Navarro County Rural Electric Corporation. This opportunity not only allowed her to further develop her skills, but also led to a lifelong partnership with Frank.

Frank and Helen had no children of their own, but Helen considered her five nieces and nephews as her own. She cared deeply for them and, from time to time, offered her advice and guidance, sharing the same warmth and wisdom she gave to her students and friends.

Faith and Friendships

Helen was very proud to be part of the Explorers Sunday School class at the First Baptist Church of Midlothian. She joined this class in 2016 after moving from McGregor, leaving behind a fifty-year history at the First Baptist Church of McGregor, Texas. The vast host of friends from both churches is a testament to her empathy and goodness, and to the many heartstrings she touched throughout her life.

Memorial Wishes

Helen would wish that, in lieu of sending flowers for her memorial, donations be made to the Explorer Class of First Baptist Church Midlothian, or to Paralife International, an educational program for Cho’rtí Indian children of Honduras.

Legacy

Helen will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Her legacy will live on in the memories of this vast host of friends, and especially through her namesake, a niece named Helen.

The Explorers Class Paralife International FBC Midlothian http://bit.ly/3U3g6dB

1651 S. Midlothian Pkwy PO Box 941

Midlothian, Texas 76065 Midlothian, Texas 76065

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