Abel

Helen Garner Abel, age 90, of Sharp went home to be with her Lord early Tuesday morning, May 26, 2020, in The Meridian of Temple Health Center.

A private graveside service will be held at the IOOF Cemetery in Rockdale, Texas, with Pastor Gary Veit officiating.

Helen was born May 6, 1930, to Bessie and Hicks Garner, the middle child of seven siblings. She grew up in the Duncan community during the depression, and worked very hard on the farm to help her family and learned to accept responsibilities at a very young age.

She graduated from Sharp High School, as the valedictorian, in May of 1947. The very next day, she married the love of her life, Henry W. Abel.

Helen was a true lady who walked with grace and dignity all of her life. She loved her family with a fierce loyalty, and was known as “Mama” or “Granny” by her children and grandchildren. She was a devoted wife and Help Meet to her husband, Henry.

Helen had a beautiful servant’s heart and did everything she set her mind to with excellence, whether it was cooking, cleaning, sewing, teaching, gardening, or hiding Easter eggs. She without doubt made the very best biscuits and gravy and milkshakes in all the land. Helen is treasured for the incredibly special woman that she was by family and friends alike, and she will be deeply missed.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Henry W. Abel on Aug. 14, 2013; her parents, Hicks and Bessie Garner; two brothers, Hicks Jr. and Robert E. Garner; and two sisters, Mildred Holcomb and Bonnie Dark.

She is survived by her son, Henry Abel Jr. and wife Lisa of Friendswood and daughter, Susan Abel Voskamp and husband Tommy of Lubbock/Rockdale; two sisters, Martha Garner Garth of Richardson, Beverly Garner Key and husband Norman of San Antonio; and one sister-in-law, Carolyn Garner Nunley of Amarillo.

Helen is also survived by eight grandchildren, Henry Abel III and wife Tonya of Friendswood, Heath Abel and wife Erika of Temple, Zach Salyer of Friendswood, Caleb Salyer and wife Lindsey of Willis, Molli Abel and fiancé Bradley Clapp of Houston, Hunter Abel and wife Samantha of Houston, Christy Canada and husband Daniel of Plains, and Travis Voskamp and wife Megan of Pocatello, ID.

She is also survived by 16 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family suggests memorials be made to Peace Lutheran Church, PO Box 308, Rockdale, TX 76567. In addition, memorials may be made to the Sharp Cemetery Association where Helen served on the board for many years.

Arrangements by Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home, P.O. Drawer 1417, Rockdale, TX 76567, 512-446-5454.

Rockdale Reporter

221 E. Cameron Ave
Rockdale, TX 76567
512-446-5838