Helen I. Skinner

Helen Irene Skinner, a resident of Cleveland was born April 30, 1940 in Chicago, Illinois to Joseph and Genieve Adele (Green) Forsythe. Helen grew up and attended school in San Francisco and Los Angles, California. She later moved to Houston, Texas where she began attending the Galena Parks School. She soon met her soon to be husband Bill Skinner. On January 21, 1956 in Houston, Texas Helen was united in marriage to Mr. Skinner. They established their initial home in Houston and later moved to the Tulsa, Oklahoma area in 1966. In 1992 Helen moved to Cleveland, Oklahoma. While living in Cleveland Helen accepted a position at the Hickory House as a cook. She continued to work at the Hickory House for 5 years full time and later began filling in occasionally.

Mrs. Skinner enjoyed being with her children and grandchildren. Helen enjoyed listening to gospel music, gardening, and baking. Her children feel that her Italian CrËme Cake and homemade rolls are the best they have ever eaten. Helen loved to travel especially going to Galveston, Texas and spending time at the beach. Mrs. Skinner had a kind heart and knew what hard work was about but most of all; she loved her Lord Jesus Christ. She was also a member of the Assembly of God Church.

Helen passed away Monday afternoon, March 26, 2007, with her family at her side in Cleveland, Oklahoma at the age of 66 years 10 months and 26 days. She was preceded in death by her father Joseph Forsythe, mother Genieve Ewing and three brothers.

Survived by her two sons David Wayne Skinner and Galen Clark Skinner both of Tulsa, Oklahoma; daughter Debora Jo Dixon of Cleveland, Oklahoma; one sister Ethel Ewing of Ft. Smith, Arkansas; one brother Jack Ewing of Hot Springs, Arkansas; six grandchildren, Will Skinner, Holli Davenport, Christina Dixon, Lydia Skinner, Cody Skinner, Tamra Dixon, three great grandchildren, Charlie Skinner, Brionna Davenport, Brianne Dixon as well as a host of other relatives and friends.

Private graveside services will be held in the Flynn Cemetery in Cushing, Oklahoma with Pastor Randall Newby officiating. Burial will be at Flynn Cemetery under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home, Inc.