of West Memphis, AR
November 9, 1929 - November 24, 2018
Doralena Helcel, age eighty-nine, died Saturday, November 24 following a long illness. She was preceded in death by her husband of sixty-eight years, Leroy Helcel, her parents, H.G. and Teenie Rowland, two brothers, Eston and Lester Rowland, and four sisters, Hazel Phillips, Ruby Baser Harvey, Lela Bruce and Jewel Helcel.
She leaves her two sons, Jerry Blansett (Carol), Randy (Celeste), three grandchildren, Haley Brown, David Helcel and Josh Helcel, and five great grandchildren.
Mrs. Helcel was born on her parents' farm in Poinsett County, Arkansas and had many fond memories of those early years, including ''sneaking'' to a frozen pond on the farm and skating with her siblings. She attended cosmetology school in Jonesboro, Arkansas and had her first beauty shop in Marked Tree, later opening and operating, out of her home on South 18 street, the second beauty shop in West Memphis, Arkansas. For close to fifty years she continued working as a beautician.
Through many years she faithfully served her Lord, including sharing and leading with her sister, Jewel Helcel, associate pastoring of Revival Temple of West Memphis. She and her husband kept the faith with their attendance at First Assembly of God Church West Memphis and enjoyed fellowshipping with the Young at Heart Group. Known as a mighty prayer warrior and evangelist for the Lord, her son, Jerry, tells of the time she won a bible for bringing the most people to church, having managed to squeeze sixteen people in her 1957 Plymoth.
Doe, as called by her family and friends, loved to read her bible, crochet, play Aggravation with family and friends and oil paint, having taken lessons in painting along with her then, twelve year old granddaughter. The Lord and her family were the greatest loves of her life and she lived her life accordingly.
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10 Condolence(s)
Ronald Whitten
Saturday, September 24, 2022
Loved her as her mailman and Leroy and use to see grandmaw as her window to bedroom was open I have a big regret by not speaking to her I think she came here by covered wagon
Phyllis Traughber
Sunday, May 26, 2019
So sorry to learn of DoraLena’s death and also of Leroy’s. I loved her dearly, met her in the mid 70’s when she and Jewel pastor the church on 18th. We stayed in contact even when I move away from the area. We talked periodically on the phone. Even though we didn’t talk often it was comforting knowing she was there. I would drop in to visit with her periodically when I was traveling through the area. My condolences to the family. Love you Doe, you’ll never be forgotten. My heart is sad, but I know that you arrived at that place we all desire to be at the appointed time.
Patricia McGarrity
Tuesday, November 27, 2018
My deepest condolences to the Helcel family. So very sorry for your loss but Heaven is gaining a beautiful and faithful angel. Because of her consistent prayers, so many of us will be able to join her one day.
Kirby Carter
Tuesday, November 27, 2018
Oh, how I enjoyed my time with Mrs. Helcel (and Mr. Helcel, too). I hate to hear of her passing, but I know she is enjoying a far better place. What an inspiration she was! I would go to check on them in the wee hours of the morning, and many a time, I would find her reading and studying her bible. I loved hearing her stories of her grandkids and great grands. What a joy and pleasure it was to be a nurse for 2 of the sweetest people I’ve ever met. Heaven is a little sweeter with them there. Your family is in my prayers.
Tammy Griffith Schroeder
Monday, November 26, 2018
I have the best memories of DoraLena, she was my mom’s hairdresser for oh so many years. My momma loved her. She was the nicest person. I can remember as a child she fixed my mom’s here every Friday and my mom always took all three of us kids and DoraLena, told my mom she had the best behaved children! We knew better than to act up! I was so young then but I still remember her beautiful smile and her sweet spirit! God Bless you all!!
Diane Taylor Ballard
Monday, November 26, 2018
I'm so sorry to hear of her passing. She was such a sweet lady. She and Mr Leroy lived down the street from my mom and dad on Barton Cove for many years and they were all friends. I know that my dad Bud Taylor will also be sadden to hear of her passing.
Vernon Cullum
Monday, November 26, 2018
So very sorry for your loss. The bible gives us hope that soon death will be done away with, and we will have the chance to see our loved ones again. This is a promise from Jehovah God. I hope these scriptures help you. Revelation 21:3-5, and John 5:28,29
Amy Cupples
Sunday, November 25, 2018
What a precious lady! I know my mom (Velda Espinoza) was so thrilled to greet her!! I cant imagine!
My thoughts and prayers are with the family!
Brenda Cain
Sunday, November 25, 2018
I am sorry to hear of Sister Dora Lena's passing. She was a good friend to me. Her wisdom and encouragement was given many times. I enjoyed sitting with her and Bro. Leroy while they attended First Assembly in West Memphis, AR.
I missed them when they moved away, but thought of them often. I am glad that they are reunited together with their Lord .
Bob and Barbara Spicer
Saturday, November 24, 2018
Jerry, Bob and I are so sorry to hear about your mom. Our prayers are with you and your brother at this time. You both have had a lot going these last few weeks and we are so sorry. Love you both.