Helen Smith

Helen Ann Smith, 81, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, peacefully passed away at her home on September 16, 2025.

Born on July 20, 1944, in Grayson, Oklahoma, Helen was the daughter of Elijah "Ike" White and Roberta (Smith) White. A woman who brought warmth and energy wherever she went, Helen was a true "life of the party." Her feisty spirit and natural ability to make friends with anyone meant she never met a stranger-everyone was family. Whether she was enjoying a fun time at the casino, tending to her beloved garden, or riding her bicycle along Riverside, Helen knew how to live life to the fullest.

She tied the knot with Thomas Gene Wilson when she was young and adventurous. Later, she gave it another shot with Billy Smith, but that chapter ended in a plot twist called divorce.

Helen's remarkable strength and determination were apparent at every turn. She completed the Tulsa Run's 5-mile course at the age of 69-a testament to her unyielding spirit. She began her career as a Dental Assistant at Moton Health Clinic and went on to spend 25 years proudly serving her community at the US Postal Service in Tulsa before retiring.

A devoted member of the Metropolitan Baptist Church in Tulsa, Helen's faith was a guiding force in her life. Her warm heart and unshakable faith will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Helen is preceded in death by her parents, Elijah "Ike" White and Roberta (Smith) White; siblings, Willie Robinson, Roberta (Robinson) Hicks, Marvin Robinson, Lucy (White) Goff and Perry Shoals.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter, cherished by her four children, Renay (Wilson) James, Carla (Wilson) Bentford, Kevin McClendon, and Gwen McClendon; her two siblings, Tenetia (Shoals) James and Larry Shoals; her sister-in-law Edith Shoals; as well as aunts, uncles, countless grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

Helen's joyful spirit will be missed by all who knew her, but her memory will continue to inspire us to embrace life and find joy in every moment.