1924 – 2023

Funeral services for Helen Lee Liston, 99, of Wills Point were held Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023, at Hiett’s LyBrand Funeral Home in Wills Point. Burial was at College Mound Cemetery in Terrell.

Helen passed away on Monday, Dec. 4, 2023, at her home. Helen Lee Mc-Gregor, a woman of grace, entered this world in Dallas on Nov. 30, 1924. Her parents were Roy Logan Mc-Gregor from Benton, Kentucky, and Susan Ellen Watkins McGregor from Wills Point.

Throughout her life, Helen exuded a quiet, humble, and shy demeanor, always seeing the best in others. Growing up, she dedicated much time and effort to styling her long, blonde hair into beautiful Shirley Temple curls. Her daily routine often involved walking to school from Pecan Avenue. During recess, she delighted in playing baseball and tennis, and she showcased her musical talent by playing the silver clarinet in the school band. Helen also took private ‘expression lessons’ from Mrs. Bateman and Mrs. Boswell.

In her senior year, she portrayed a nurse in the play, ‘How to be a Football Hero.’ After graduating in 1942, Helen joined the Federal Reserve Bank in Dallas. She worked there until she returned to Wills Point and married her high school sweetheart, Ralph Moody Liston. They were joined in matrimony at Russell Memorial Methodist Church on Oct. 22, 1943. Together, they built a successful farming operation on South FM 47, specializing in registered Hereford cattle. Their home became a gathering place for friends, who often joined them for lively parties centered around the popular 42 domino game.

Helen, along with her mother-in-law, Mary Liston, actively participated in the Fairview Home Demonstration Club. In the summer of 1963, Ralph and Helen moved into town after acquiring the historic 1923 T.L. James Lumber Company where Helen took on the role of bookkeeper. Helen also became the inaugural secretary of the newly established Day Care Program at the Methodist Church where she and Ralph had been members throughout their lives. Helen provided unwavering support to her husband in numerous community activities.

Over the course of several years, she dedicated her time to coordinating and judging the Van Zandt County Farm Bureau Queen Contest. As her four children entered the picture, she actively participated in the PTA and assisted in their sporting events whenever necessary. The entire family cherished the countless memorable trips they embarked on together. As she grew older, she continued her volunteer work by preparing Meals on Wheels at the community center. Engaging in games with her friends was always her forte, and her family can vouch for her being the ‘luckiest’ player. Now, her grandchildren and great grandchildren carry on the tradition and find immense joy in hearing her unique and endearing laughter. They playfully mimic her to this day, keeping her spirit alive.

Helen’s family history in Van Zandt County dates back to the 1840s through the Anderson, Ellis, Scott, Halbert, and Spear families. These pioneering families were involved in various professions such as ferrying, farming, serving as judges, running businesses, and even holding the position of sheriff. At the 150-year celebration in April 2023, Helen received a certificate that pleasantly surprised her, as she was recognized as the oldest living woman in Wills Point.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents and husband of 53 years.

To cherish her memories, she leaves behind four children: Linda (William) Dennis, Rickey, R.M., and Teena Liston. Additionally, she is survived by her grandchildren: Damon (Marie) Wehr, Jeffrey (Amy) Wehr, Andrew (Erica) Wehr, Dustie Liston (John Swift), Wendy (Will) Pittman, Chad Liston, and Blake (Courtney) Liston. She was also blessed with 11 great grandchildren. She touched many by living a life of Christian values and unconditional love. Her memory will forever be engraved in the hearts of those who knew her.