October 30, 1933 – June 2, 2015 On June 2, 2015, a mother was reunited with a son, a grandson, and countless others who were waiting for her. She left us how she lived, peacefully. Helen Garner Jaco was born on October 30, 1933 in Bells, Texas to parents, Vestal “Bud” Garner and Nettie (Scott) Garner. Growing up in Savoy, she was an avid basketball player. When she was 19 she fell in love with her marine, Dalton Earl Jaco. While Dalton was overseas fighting in the Korean War they communicated the old fashioned way of letter writing. When he returned back from overseas they married and started their life in California. They may not have had much, but they had each other. Eventually they moved back to Texas, created a home and God blessed them with three mouths to feed. Helen loved taking care of her family. She could stitch and sew and would create outfits for her children. No matter how little or much they had, no one ever left their house hungry. She was devoted to her husband and family. Soon after their return to Texas, God called Dalton to preach. Although Helen was skeptical at first, after she saw the changes in her husband’s life and experienced God’s presence in her life, she stood by his side and never looked back. It was also around this time that Helen was diagnosed as a Type 1 diabetic and ended up spending the majority of her adult life insulin dependent. Unless she was having a low sugar episode, most people would never know that Helen was a diabetic. She ALWAYS put the needs of others before her own and never complained about what she might have been going through. Doctors were amazed with how long she lived with the type of diabetes she had. This is just one of the many miracles God performed in her life. Helen always listened to people, never left anyone out and had a real passion for serving Jesus Christ. This translated in years of church and nursing home volunteer service and so many other things that would take up too much room to list. She also had a passion for children and loved teaching them. Often you would find the church children congregating around her or fighting to sit by her. Her patience and understanding was beyond measure. She was a woman of strong faith, believing in the power and strength of Jesus Christ’s love and the beauty of peace that would await her after her passing. Anyone who was lucky enough to know Helen is a better person because of the things she taught and the life she lived. Although part of our hearts may be breaking, the other part is rejoicing knowing that she is no longer in pain and is walking the streets of gold. Even though she has left us, she is still here. She is in her son’s willingness to help and make others smile even though he may be hurting. She is in her daughter’s beauty and love and concern for others, especially children. We will miss you, but we will still see in your children, grandchildren and everyone you touched until we meet again. Thank you for giving to the Lord, for you changed so many lives.
Helen is survived by her husband, Dalton of Whitewright; son, Ronnie Jaco and wife Denise of Sherman; daughter, Darlene Ring and husband Rickey of Yarnaby, OK; three brothers, Clyde Garner and wife Hazel, Floyd Garner and wife Beulah, and Boyd Garner and wife Cindy, all of Bells; sister, Dorothy Moss of Savoy; five grandchildren, Michael Ring, Stacie Wilson & husband Ricky, Le Ann Jaco, Jordon Jaco and fiancée Emily Clague, and Cammy Jaco; five great grandchildren, Emily Wilson, Rylan Wilson, Macy Wilson, Gabby Jaco and Reaina Jaco.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents; son, David Jaco in 2010; and two brothers, Alton and Weldon Jaco.
The family welcomes friends to come and help celebrate her life at 10:00 A.M., Friday, June 5, 2015 at the Whitewright First Assembly of God Church. Her son-in-law, Reverend Rickey Ring of the Yarnaby, Oklahoma Assembly of God Church, will conduct the celebration. Those serving as Pallbearers for Helen are Don Huettenmue, Ricky Wilson, Jordon Jaco, Mark Garner, Brad Farley and Mike Mayfield. Honorary Pallbearers are Mike Tribble, Michael Ring, Carl Foster, Larry Monroe and Brad Garner. Burial will be at the Oak Hill Cemetery immediately following the service.
A visitation is set from 6-8 P.M., Thursday, June 4, 2015 at the funeral home in Bells.
