A Life celebration and memorial will be held for Helen Morehead Harris, at 11 am on Saturday, June 24 at St. Philip Presbyterian Church, 4807 San Felipe, Houston, Texas 77056.  Helen Harris, age 96, of Houston, Texas, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 8, 2017.  Helen was born in Canadian, Texas on March 27, 1921 to John Olen and Phoebe Morehead. She graduated high school at the age of 16 and afterward attended business school in Oklahoma City.  Helen also won a civilian pilot scholarship awarded by the Civil Aeronautics Authority at the age of 19.  She was one of only 2 women in her class of 100 when she received her private pilot's license.  In 1941, Helen married the love of her life, Guy B. Harris. They had 5 children, Dorothy Gay, Guy Blalock Jr., Kenneth Dean, Covert Durham, and John Christopher.  Helen worked many years for the Ben McGuire Company helping to change the skyline of Houston.  In 1985, she went to work for Wells Fargo in the loan escrow department until her retirement at age 75.

Helen pursued numerous hobbies with a passion. She enjoyed travel and took frequent trips to visit family, in addition to numerous overseas adventures with her children to the Far East, Australia, Germany, Ireland and Africa.  At the young age of 80 years, her trip to Africa even included her first ride on an elephant. To collectors around the world, she was known for the hundreds of articulated mohair teddy bears she lovingly made.  In her 70's, Helen surprised her family once again when she decided to enroll in clown school.  Helen transformed herself into Uh-Oh the Clown, and enjoyed a clown ministry at her church. Throughout her life, her faith, family, and friends were always Helen's greatest delights. She was actively involved in her church community, serving as elder, greeter, prayer warrior and active volunteer.

Helen's life was long, rich and very active. Helen was a gracious southern lady who is remembered for her loving nature, a jaunty spirit and the twinkle in her eye.  Her joy for life touched the lives of many people and she will be missed by family and friends.

Helen is survived by daughter, Gay Hansten and husband Bob of Redwood City, CA; sons Kenneth Harris of Austin, TX; Covert Harris and wife Lynda of Rio Hondo, TX; and Chris Harris of Houston, TX; daughter-in-law Laura Harris of Colorado; and brother John Morehead of Lubbock, TX.  She is also survived by 8 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Guy B. Harris, Sr., loving son Guy B. Harris, Jr., and dear sisters Mildred Scott, Fay Benton, and sister Evelyn Johnson, who passed away June 6, 2017.   

The Harris family would like to thank Seasons Hospice and Palliative Care for the extraordinary and loving care they provided Helen in the last year. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Helen M. Harris to Seasons Hospice at www.seasonsfoundation.org, or to The Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org

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