Helen Louise McGowan Holster

Today we gather to celebrate the life of Helen Louise Laxson McGowan-Holster — a woman whose legacy is woven with love, faith, and fierce devotion to her family and her Lord. She was born to James "Dock" Minnowtree Laxson and Virgie Maylee Burleson on May 20, 1932. She went to live with Jesus on November 4th, 2025. At 93 years old, Helen lived a life marked by grace, strength, and a heart full of faith.

She was preceded in death by her parents; the love of her youth, husband, Bobby Joe McGowan of 26 years; and Billy Royce Holster her strength and love for 36 years; her beloved son Michael Edward McGowan; and her brother James Lee Laxson.

Helen is survived by her sister Barbara Jean Marshall, her daughters Shirley Eileen Zaeske and husband Billie, and Bobbie Elaine Lewis and husband Kyle. Her love continues through eight grandchildren — Billy Dale Zaeske, Brian Dayton Zaeske, Kyle Michael McGowan, Holly Eve McGowan-Romero and husband Ben, Joeie Nicole Currin, Ashley Don Thorp-Hockman and husband Justin, Clayton Gary Thorp, and Adam Allen Wallace — as well as nine great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Her family also includes a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who were embraced as family by Helen’s generous heart.

Helen was more than a matriarch — she was a spiritual anchor. She loved the Lord with all her heart, and her faith was not just personal, it was powerful. Helen was a prayer warrior. She carried the burdens of others to the throne of grace, lifting up her family, her friends, and even strangers in prayer. Her prayers were steady, sincere, and deeply rooted in her belief that Jesus Christ was her Savior — and she wanted everyone she loved to know Him too.

Her faith wasn’t just spoken — it was lived. She was a woman of quiet strength and bold belief, and her spiritual legacy will continue to shape the lives of those she touched.

Helen also lived a life of dedication and hard work. She spent most of her career as a bookkeeper for Stanley Home Products and later as a receptionist at the Garland Daily News, where her warmth and reliability left a lasting impression. But Helen was never defined by work alone — she embraced life with joy and enthusiasm.

She loved water skiing and bowling, and she was a wonderful cook. Her home was the heart of family gatherings — summers by the pool filled with laughter, and holidays wrapped in warmth and tradition. Helen had a gift for making people feel welcome, cherished, and at home.

Her love extended to animals, too. She adored her childhood dog Pal, and her final companion Jack — a rescue who found not just shelter but unconditional love in Helen’s care. Over the years, she shared her life with many dogs and horses, each one a treasured part of her story.

Until we see you again, we hold on to gratitude. Gratitude for her love, her prayers, her example, and her presence. Helen was a gift to this world, and though she is no longer with us in body, her spirit lives on in every heart she lifted in prayer.

Celebration of Life Service will be held at:

Kingdom Hill Church

24385 I-20

Wills Point, TX 75169

Potluck lunch and visitation at 12:30pm. Service to follow at 2:00pm.