Helen Marie King

Helen Marie King passed away peacefully on June 27, 2026, with her family at her bedside following a lengthy illness.

Helen was born on July 2, 1939, in Gainesville, Texas, the eldest of three daughters born to Roy and Helen King. From an early age, Helen was determined, adventurous, and unafraid to chart her own course. She had an interest in airplanes and joined the Civil Air Patrol when she was 14 years old. As a student at Trimble Tech High School in Fort Worth, she became the first female student in the United States to enroll in an aeronautics education program—an accomplishment that reflected the confidence and pioneering spirit she carried throughout her life. One of her favorite stories to share was of flying with famed test pilot and Brigadier General Chuck Yeager while still in high school, an experience she treasured for the rest of her life.

After high school, Helen attended Arlington State University before marrying Woodrow “Woody” King and beginning the role she cherished most—raising her family. Together, Helen and Woody welcomed three children and built a life centered on love, hard work, and family. Following Woody's discharge from the U.S. Navy, the family eventually settled in Houston, where Helen discovered another talent as a real estate agent with Gemcraft Homes. Her natural gift for connecting with
people and her strong work ethic earned her numerous sales awards and the respect of colleagues and clients alike.

Family was always Helen’s highest priority. At one point, she happily stepped away from her career to help care for her grandchildren in Nashville while her oldest daughter completed medical training. It was a sacrifice she made willingly and lovingly, demonstrating the quiet generosity that defined so much of her life. When she returned to Fort Worth in 1997, she resumed her work in real estate with David Weekley Homes and continued serving others until her retirement in 2001.

Helen was a woman of many talents and endless creativity. She was an avid gardener whose colorful flower beds reflected the beauty and care she brought to everything she touched. A self-taught seamstress, she lovingly created matching outfits for herself and her children and devoted countless hours to sewing elaborate baton-twirling uniforms for her daughters. She was the kind of mother who never missed an activity and often went above and beyond—organizing talent shows, planning
award ceremonies, and creating memorable neighborhood parties that brought joy to countless children.

As the years passed, Helen embraced perhaps her most beloved title: Grammy. Her grandchildren knew her as fun, loving, and wonderfully unconventional. She created treasured memories through her annual “No Rules” weekends, where laughter came easily, treats were plentiful, and every grandchild felt special and deeply loved. Those weekends became family legends and are just one
example of the joyful spirit she shared so generously.

Helen lived a life filled with love, determination, generosity, and adventure. She leaves behind a
legacy of strong family bonds, cherished traditions, and countless happy memories. She will bedeeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.

Helen is survived by her sister, Janice Carter (David); her daughters, Dr. Tracy Papa (Dr. Frank) andDr. Terri Weinman (Phil); her son, Travis King (Deanna); her grandchildren, Andrew Wells, MitchellPerry (Erin), Nicholas Papa, Francesca Papa, Alessandra Whitley (Julian), Vivian Weinman (Molly), Tyler King; and her great-grandchildren, Everett Perry and Emmett Perry.

A gathering of friends and family is planned for Saturday, August 1st from 1:00-3:00 pm at 1001 Elizabeth Blvd, Fort Worth, Texas, 76110. Anyone who would like to pay respects is invited to stop by and join the family for some memories and light refreshments. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family kindly asks that you consider a donation to Bread Basket Ministries in Fort Worth.