Sarah (Florence) Helpinstill

Sarah Florence Helpinstill passed away in San Antonio, TX on January 31, 2021. Sarah was born July 12, 1916, to the late Marion and Jewette (Barron) Florence in Troup, TX.

After graduating from Stephen F. Austin State Teachers College with a degree in Home Economics and Science, she taught in the Nacogdoches school system for several years. She met and married her husband, Dick Helpinstill, in Nacogdoches. They soon after moved to Freeport, TX where she lived for 66 years. She spent the last 14 years of her life in San Antonio to be near her daughter, Carol Borgeson.

Sarah was a wonderful homemaker who loved to cook, sew and garden. She was a gracious host who loved having friends and family visit to enjoy good food and fellowship. A side trip to the beach or eating seafood was always a bonus. She was a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church of Freeport for over 50 years and later a member of the Alamo Heights Methodist Church in San Antonio. She taught Sunday School for most of those 50 years and was very active in the United Methodist Women and the Freeport Garden Club. She was a church librarian for many years. One of her favorite activities was visiting the homebound, friends, and church members in nursing homes. She was famous for the home-cooked goodies that she took to them. She continued this tradition in San Antonio until she was 102 years of age.

She was a loving wife and mother. She loved her grandchildren, her great-grandchildren, and her extended family. She is survived by her brother MJ Florence (Pat) of Troup, TX; sister Evelyn Downs of Grapevine, TX; son Jim Helpinstill (Gretchen) of Bernardsville, NJ; daughter Carol Borgeson of San Antonio, TX; grandsons Mike Helpinstill (Randi) of Williamsburg, VA; Mark Helpinstill (Anne) of Bedminster, NJ; and Clay Helpinstill (Melissa) of Middletown, DE; grandchildren Sarah, Emily, Tyler, Brooke, Sadie, Jake, and Ryan Helpinstill and numerous nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Dick Helpinstill, her sister Floy Dees and her brother Barron Florence.

Graveside services for Sarah will be Saturday, February 27 at 2:00 pm at the Henry’s Chapel Cemetery near Troup, TX. The service will be officiated by Reverend Mike Ledbetter.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Cottle Funeral Home in Troup, TX.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Henry’s Chapel United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 601, Troup, TX 75789 or the First United Methodist Church of Freeport, 1600 W. Broad St., Freeport, TX 77531.

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