Frances Mae Helms Marr

Frances Mae Helms Marr went to be with her Lord on February 25, 2024. She was born on January 20, 1929, in a country farmhouse near Pittsburg, Texas. She was the only child to Odis and Polly Helms and frequently lamented that she had no siblings.

Some of her early memories include working in the cotton fields, Sunday morning church and playing with cousins. One memorable school bus ride was on her 13th birthday, when she met our dad, John Marr, which began a growing friendship including group dates to the local movie-house on the square.  At Union Ridge High School she was captain of the volleyball team and in 1947 graduated as the Valedictorian of her class.

After graduation, Mom worked at an insurance agency in downtown Dallas, which meant she had to ride the electric trolley car 20 minutes each way.  Mom and Dad continued to date, and she worked to save up money for the future.  Two years after graduation, Dad said “Let’s get married.”  A few weeks later, on May 28, 1949, they were married at the preacher’s house.  They honeymooned in Hot Springs, Arkansas.  Dad was drafted into the Army and they were stationed in Hawaii during the Korean conflict.  Mom loved living in Hawaii and enjoyed days on the beach and making new friends.  They returned to Dallas and purchased their first home in East Dallas.  While living there, all 4 children, Rick, Judy, Ronnie, and Sherrie were born at Baylor Hospital.  Later they settled into the “9511 house” in the Lake Highlands community for 53 years and most recently moved to Juliette Fowler Communities in the Lakewood area.

Mom had a special love for each of her children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren. She was called on frequently for last-minute baby-sitting opportunities.  Mom was Room Mother, Choir chaperon, 1970’s station-wagon carpool driver, Awana listener and genuine neighborhood friend.  She loved going shopping for each of the grandchildren.  She was the BEST COOK EVER.  She was famous for her chicken-n-dumplings, peanut brittle, canned pickle relish and Mexican Casserole.  She frequently would bake banana bread or coconut crisp cookies and give them to friends, family and shut-ins.

In 1968, Mom began taking us to the weekly Children’s Bible Club taught by Mrs. Rankin.  At that time, she fully embraced the true salvation story and Jesus’ death on the cross.  She attended Women’s Bible Study faithfully for years and encouraged her children in BMA (Bible Memory Association).  

Both Mom and Dad would travel to baseball, football, basketball, and soccer games.  Along with Dad, she traveled to see grandchildren in college and Sherrie’s family in KS, FL, and CO plus Judy’s family in Bolivia and Guatemala.  Returning to Hawaii for a 2 week visit after 50 years was extra special.  

Mom will be greatly missed by those who survive her:  Her husband of nearly 75 years, John; son, Rick & Beverly Marr of Dallas, TX, children Brian & Sarah Marr, Brenda & Drew Bird, Catherine & Clay Coleman; daughter, Judy & Glenn Stewart of Tyler, TX, children Ellen & Luke Rosenberger, Karen & Thomas Bartz, Gary & Madison Stewart; son Ronnie & Kelly Marr of Sherman, TX, children Meredith & Kyle Marr; Sherrie & Steve Marshall of Houston, TX, children Haley & Andrew Simons, Molly, Stephen and Michelle.  Also, her 17 Great Grandchildren and countless extended family and friends whose lives she touched through many, many years.

Until the end of her life, Mom always had a smile on her face.  We as a family grieve because we miss her humor and sweet encouraging and loving presence with us; however, we rejoice with confidence that Mom is in the presence of our Lord and Savior forever.  

A memorial service, followed by a reception, will be 1:00pm on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Northwest Bible Church 8505 Douglas Avenue, Dallas, TX 75225.  Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Croley Funeral Home, 305 W Harrison St, Gilmer, TX 75644 for a visitation on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, 5:00pm-7:00pm. Graveside service will be February 29, 11am, at Pleasant Grove Cemetery, 13754 FM-1975, Upshur County, TX.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial can be made to Pleasant Grove Cemetery Association, PO Box 225, Gilmer TX, 75644 -or- Juliett Fowler Communities, One Heart Fund, 1234 Abrams Rd, Dallas TX 75214 https://fowlercommunities.org/donate-now/