Helen Burrow

Helen Gene Burrow, age 84 years, of Lubbock, Texas, formerly of Caro, passed away on December 30, 2005, in Lubbock, Texas. She was born on March 20, 1921, in Caro. She is the third daughter of William H. and Margaret A. (Lawrence) Gunsell, a prominent Caro business family. She graduated from Caro High School in 1939. She married Maynard “Hokey” Smith, a World War II hero and Medal of Honor recipient. Their son, William H. Smith, was born on September 14, 1941. In later years, she married John Burrow, who preceded her in death. Helen was a familiar face in Caro, working for various businesses on State Street, and managing the Evenknit Shop for many years. In addition to her love of dancing , she was also an accomplished pianist; occasionally playing with her Uncle Fred in the Fred Gunsell Band. Helen enjoyed homemaking, crossword puzzles, her pet dogs and life. She was a joy to be around and a good friend to those who knew and loved her. Helen is survived by her loving son, William H. Smith, a Vietnam Veteran and retired military, with whom she made her home in Smyer, Texas for the past eleven years. She then became ill and was moved to Lubbock Health Care Center. She is also survived by her grandson, Scott (Delphine) Smith of Lubbock, Texas; granddaughter, Christal (Dan) Byrns; three great-grandchildren, Ashley, Aaron and Lydia Byrns of Plano, Texas; two sisters, Florence Nowland of Marian, and Charlotte (Gordon) Dow of Flat Rock, North Carolina; her nieces and nephews, Margaret A. Eversole and Sheryl (Bob) Ohmer of North Lake, Denise (William) Berry of Kalamazoo, Julie A. (Ron) Lewis and Jory Petiprin of Burton, Larry (Marilyn) Nowland of Marian; several great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins. In addition to her parents, Helen was preceded in death by her sister, Marian L. Reed; brothers-in-law, Willard O. Reed and Milton W. Nowland; a nephew, Thomas W. Reed; and a niece, Candace Buffa. A graveside committal service will be held at the Indianfields Township Cemetery Chapel on Thursday, January 19, 2006, at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Melissa DeRosia, First Presbyterian Church of Caro, officiating.