Bobby Jo Helm, 91, of Royse City, Texas, passed away peacefully on March 16 ^th , 2023.

Bobby Jo was born on August 19, 1931, to Horace Johnson and Leola Lackey-Johnson in Athens, Texas.  Her father, County Clerk of Henderson County, passed away when she was just 5 years old.  Her mother stepped in to replace Horace in the role of County Clerk following his death.  On June 23, 1940, her mother married Homer Lee Parsons, who became Bobby Jo's beloved "Daddy Parsons," and the family moved to La Feria, Texas where Bobby Jo graduated from La Feria High School in 1948.

After graduation, she attended Texas A&I College in Kingsville, Texas where she studied Home Economics.  Mutual friends set Bobby Jo up on a blind date with Bobby Helm and the rest is history!  The couple married on December 23, 1949, and celebrated 66 years of marriage.  They raised 3 children and built a printing business together.  They enjoyed traveling and took many cross-country trips and they shared a love of Studebakers.  They were devoted members of the Wylie Church of Christ for more than 50 years.

Bobby Jo loved being surrounded by her family and friends and was always the "life of the party." Bobby Jo loved unconditionally and fiercely throughout her entire life – never wavering no matter what. Whether she was answering to Bobby Jo, BJ, Bobba, Aunt Bo, Mom, or Nana, it was always with the greatest of LOVE!

Bobby Jo was preceded in death by her parents, Horace Johnson and Leola Lackey, her stepfather, Homer Lee Parsons, her husband, Bobby Helm, her brother, William Johnson, and his wife whom she loved dearly, Mary, and several beloved aunts and uncles.

She is survived by her three children. Sons: Lee Helm of Royse City, Texas, and Terry Helm and wife, Karen of Rowlett, Texas.  Daughter:  Toni Elliston and husband, Charles Olds of Royse City, Texas. Grandchildren: Mason and JoDee Sanford, Danny and Jessica Schultz, Jessica Helm, Jennifer Helm, Brad and Tiffany Dulaney, and Jarrett and Samantha Sorrells. Great-Grandchildren: Austen, Kori, Madison, Westin, Slade, Jackson, Macy, Kylie, Keith, and Levi.  She is also survived by her brother in love, Jim Helm, and his wife and Bobby Jo's best friend for life, Ann, along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A celebration of Bobby Jo's life and love will take place at Allen Funeral Home, 508 Masters Ave, Wylie, Texas on March 31, 2023 at 2PM CDT.  Minister Eric Hogue will officiate. Graveside service to follow at Millwood Cemetery, 11395 Co Rd 535, Lavon, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to BrightFocus in honor of Bobby Jo Helm.  BrightFocus funds exceptional scientific research worldwide to defeat Alzheimer's disease, macular degeneration, and glaucoma and provides expert information on these heartbreaking diseases. www.brightfocus.org .