Helen Marie Allison

Helen Marie Allison, affectionately known as Skeeter in her younger years, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2025, at the age of 98, in her hometown of Minden, LA. Helen was born on December 24, 1926, in Bienville, LA, and lived a life full of love, dedication, and joy.

Helen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Earl Allison; her parents, Thomas (Virgie Mae) Davis; her brother, J.T. (Bertie Mae) Davis; and her sisters, Mary (Horace) Baten, Marolyn (Bob) Carpenter, Martha (Wilson) Hudson, and Kathleen (Milton) Garland.

She is survived by her sister, Carolyn (late husband John) Hughes, and her loving daughters, Valeria (late husband Bud) Corley, Renee (Scott) Jones, Jonie (David) Starks, and Janie (Murray) Sparks. Helen also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Allison (Jeff) Harrell, Jason Corley, Jeremy (Drury) Corley, Brian (Stacey) Sparks, Benjamin (Kayla) Sparks, Dustin Ford, Nathan (Jackie) Ford, and Amber (Russell) Stephens, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren who will carry on her legacy.

After high school, Helen worked at Thad’s Café and The Shell Plant. With enthusiastic pride, she often touted her ability to buy a shiny new bicycle and treats, which she cleverly hid from her sisters. Her life took an unexpected turn when she met Robert Earl; they married just two weeks after meeting.

As newlyweds, Helen and Robert Earl moved into company housing at Woodard Walker Sawmill of Lincoln Parish, where they lived with his parents. It was here that Helen begrudgingly learned to make a fresh pan of biscuits, a skill that would prove invaluable in her future ventures. Eventually, the couple moved into their own company house and began building a family.

Helen had a natural talent for making a business successful. Her entrepreneurial spirit began to bloom with the purchase of The Friendly Grill in Bossier City in the late1950’s. After a brief residency in New Orleans for Robert Earl’s offshore job, they relocated to Minden. In Minden, Helen leveraged her business acumen to create one of the most successful enterprises in downtown Minden.

She purchased a small consignment shop named Mod-o-Day on Main St in 1975 before branching out to the retail industry. While searching for a wedding dress for her daughter Jonie, she stumbled upon a liquidation sale with a large collection of wedding dresses. Seeing an opportunity, she bought them all. With this expanded inventory, Helen changed locations and built the bridal & formal wear legacy that would eventually become Her’s Bridal. Upon her retirement, the reins were passed to her daughters, Janie and Jonie, who inherited not just a thriving enterprise, but a treasure trove of life lessons rooted in hard work, dedication, and an unyielding focus on customer service.

Helen was exceptionally proficient at identifying and neutralizing shoplifters more efficiently than any modern security camera system. It was her superpower. Her journey from odd jobs to a successful businesswoman showcases her determination, resourcefulness, and entrepreneurial spirit. Her ability to turn a simple opportunity into thriving business left a legacy in historic downtown Minden.

Helen had a zest for life and enjoyed many hobbies, including fishing, softball, and jigsaw puzzles. Though not witnessed by many, she hinted at being able to do the jitterbug in her youthful days. Her favorite destination was Branson, MO, where she delighted in the local entertainment. From the Presleys to the Baldknobbers, she watched these shows over and over with the same zeal as the first time she saw them. However, her greatest joy came from spending time with her family, creating precious memories that will be treasured forever.

Most of all, she cherished the time spent with her grandchildren who often spent more nights with their grandmother than in their own house. Though many of her days were filled with the obligations of matriarchal life, her nights were content with reading books to her grandkids and drifting to sleep watching Hee Haw reruns and cackling at Sophia on the Golden Girls. Grandmother was too formal. She felt it made her feel old. She was a daughter, a mother, an aunt, and a friend to many but to her grandchildren, she was “Honey.” Honey’s home was more than just a place; it was a haven filled with love, laughter, and warmth.

Helen’s daughters can still hear the retort of these resounding words, “Pretty is as pretty does” and “I can’t hear what you say because what you do speaks so much louder.” These little sayings offer morsels of wisdom that will eternally echo in her sentiment. She was a pillar of strength, a guiding light in their lives. Those who knew her will never forget her witty comebacks. She was never short of a clever retort and always knew how to lighten the mood. She was an amazing cook and a resourceful steward. She will be remembered for her strength, love, and kindness. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of her loved ones. She will be remembered for her dedication to faith, which was her most treasured survival skill and her foundation in life.

Helen’s memory will be cherished, and her spirit will remain a guiding presence in the lives of her loved ones. From the bottom of our hearts, the family would like to offer special thanks to Dr. Scott Phillips and Passages Hospice for the incredible care and compassion that was given during this tremendous time of need. Your gentle touch, unwavering support, and genuine kindness allowed us to cherish every precious moment and say goodbye with peace. A celebration of life will be held at Rose Neath Funeral Home in Minden, LA on Thursday, March 6th, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. where family and friends will gather to honor and remember the remarkable life she lived. Interment will follow at Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Minden. 

"His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.”

Matthew 25:21