Helen Ora Willingham Bass went home to be with her Heavenly Father on February 16, 2023. Helen was born August 5, 1939 in Lubbock, Texas, to Robert Amel and Loucile Willingham. She was the oldest of three children, and the only girl. When she was a young girl, her family moved to Taylor, Texas. The family later moved to Austin, Texas, where Helen had fond memories of playing with her brothers on the turkey ranch. Helen graduated from William B. Travis High School in Austin, Texas in 1957.

After graduating high school, Helen went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts degree from Baylor University in 1960. While at Baylor, she met the love of her life, Dr. Joel E. Bass. The two were married in Congress Avenue Baptist Church in Austin, Texas, August 5, 1960. The couple lived in Houston and Austin before settling in Huntsville, Texas in the late 1960's. Dr. Bass was a professor at Sam Houston State University for 35 years. During that time, Helen earned her Master's degree from Sam Houston State and devoted her life to the service of others. In November 1970, Joel and Helen adopted Randal Lawrence Bass and in June 1973, they adopted Richard Amel Bass. Being parents to Randy and Rick was their greatest joy. Helen and Joel were active members of First Baptist Church of Huntsville during the 1970's. There, they led a thriving college department. Helen enjoyed writing plays for the college group to perform across Texas and in Glorieta, New Mexico. In 1980, the family became active members of Elkins Lake Baptist Church. From that time on, Helen enjoyed serving others through her leadership of Sunday School classes, Bible Study groups, and speaking at various retreats. Helen was in the education field for over 30 years. She taught English and History in various school districts in the Huntsville area before joining the Education Service Center Region VI in Huntsville, Texas. There, she was a social studies specialist, as well as a staff developer of the Texas Social Studies Center for the Texas Education Agency. At Region VI, she wrote social studies materials for teachers and conducted workshops for educators throughout Texas and across the United States. Mrs. Bass received the Leon Jaworski Award for Texas teachers who teach law-related education in secondary schools. As a social studies consultant, she promoted innovative learning by assisting teachers in developing vibrant history experiences for their students. She wrote a book for teachers called Creating Award-Winning History Fair Projects and in 1997 developed the Social Studies Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for the State of Texas.

Upon retirement, Helen devoted herself to caring for her husband, Joel, while he battled leukemia. After he passed, she moved in with her son and daughter-in-law, Randy and Sarah Bass in 2008. She especially enjoyed spending time with her grandson, Austin Bass, during these years. Helen was able to visit her son, Rick Bass, and his family in multiple countries over the years. She enjoyed writing novels and traveling the world with special friends, as well as on her own.

In her final years, Helen suffered from dementia and was a resident of Creekside Retirement Center in Huntsville, Texas from 2018 until her passing.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents Robert Amel and Loucile Willingham, her husband Dr. Joel E. Bass, and her brother John Willingham.

She is survived by her son Randy, daughter-in-law Sarah, and her grandson Austin, as well as her son Rick, granddaughter Christina, and grandson Amel. She is also survived by her brother Robert Willingham and his wife Caroline, brother-in law David Bass and his wife Julie, sister-in-law Martha Bass, sister-in-law Linda Bass, as well as multiple nieces, nephews, and other family and friends. A celebration of Helen's life will be held at 2:00 on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at Elkins Lake Baptist Church in Huntsville, Texas. Visitation will be Friday night from 5-7pm at Heritage Oak Funeral Home.

The family wishes to thank the community of Creekside for their love, care, and friendship.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Elkins Lake Baptist Church.