HARWELL

Helon Marie Baldwin Harwell, 92, a resident of Tyler, Texas, passed away Thursday, May 2, 2013, after a lengthy illness.

She was laid to rest on May 5, 2013 at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center, Texas.

Helon was born in Center, Texas, on Jan. 6, 1921. She graduated from Center High School and continued on to receive the following degrees: a bachelor of science in 1948 from Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches, Texas; a Master of Religious Education in 1949 and Doctor of Religious Education in 1955, both from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth, Texas; a master of arts in 1962 from Northeast Missouri State Teachers College in Kirksville, Mo.; and a Doctor of Education in 1967 from East Texas State University in Commerce, Texas.

She retired from Nicholls State University in Thibodaux in 1990, after 23 years as a professor and as Head of the Department of Special Education.

She married her husband of 59 years, John Earl Harwell, on Aug. 23, 1953.

She is survived by her sister, Fannie B. Caid; nieces and nephews, Lanelle and Joseph Picarella of Tyler, Jeff and Cindy Caid of Tyler, Jean and Bill Cole of Lawrenceville, Ga., Chauncey Young Jr. of Lawrenceville, J.D. and Linda Smith of Slidell, Terry Harwell, Kerry Earl Harwell and Cheryl Ann Harwell; and many other great- nieces and nephews.

Her husband, John Earl Harwell, and her parents, Aaron F. Baldwin and Bernice Baldwin, preceded her in death.

Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, TX 75701.

Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com.