Helen Yvonne Towery Crase went to be with the Lord, on Aug. 24, 2023.
Helen was born Aug. 12, 1945, to Louise and Albert Towery. Helen was the second oldest of six children. She was a kind and caring sister to all her siblings.
Helen married Elmer Roger Crase, on Oct. 5, 1963, and together they had five children. Helen was a supportive wife and mother and had the ability to make each of her children feel like they were her favorite. While she was primarily a homemaker and spent most of her time taking care of her family, she was heavily involved in her home church, Emmanuel Baptist, and was at times a Sunday School teacher, a school cook, and participated in numerous Vacation Bible School events. Many children were blessed by her teachings and love for the Lord. Helen and Roger participated in the local foster care program and changed the lives of multiple children who stayed in their home. She was a self-taught seamstress, wedding cake maker, a beautician, poet, and a magnificent artist.
Throughout her life, Helen endured many experiences that were difficult and challenging to overcome, but she approached each one with grace, forgiveness, and most of all, love. She was a shining example of hope and courage to everyone she encountered. Helen gracefully lost her final battle with cancer, but it never took her fighting spirit or her warm smile.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Louise Hansford and Albert Towery; her husband, Elmer R. Crase; her sister, Linda Palmer; her brother, Leon Hansford; and her great-grandchild, Deliliah Coleman.
She is survived by her five children, Deborah Birdwell, Lorena (Mel) Overbey, Christine (Mike) Clark, Roger (Sharlene) Crase, Russell (Josephine) Allman; 11 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren.
At Helen’s request, no funeral service will be held, but a celebration of life will be held at a later date.
The family has requested donations to be made in her name to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Oak Lawn Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
