Mae Helen Grigory

Mae Helen Grigory, 94, of Normangee, Texas, passed away peacefully in her home on Wednesday, February 20, 2019. Born on February 26,1924 in Humble, Texas, Helen was the youngest daughter of Henry Clinton and Mattie Mable (Gay) Harris. They later moved to their family land in the Normangee area where Helen attended Normangee High School, graduating in 1942.

Helen met the love of her life, Lester in the mid 1940’s and supported the war effort as she did her part as a member of the Greatest Generation. By sheer determination, Helen trained and worked as a welder at a shipyard. She and Lester were married on July 11, 1945, and she took on her most important role as a full time homemaker and as a devoted wife, doting mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Until her declining health she was an active member of the Harmony Baptist Church in Normangee. They raised their family in the Houston area and following her husband’s retirement, they returned to their roots in Normangee. Helen enjoyed her travels with family, particularly her trips to Hawaii, Germany, and trips to the eastern states where she attended her husband’s squadron reunions. She was an avid quilter; enjoyed antique shopping; reading, particularly western novels; bird watching; and, gardening. She enjoyed sharing her recipes and culinary delights with family and friends. Helen always made everyone feel so welcome with her gift of hospitality and southern warm ways. She loved deeply and that special love resonated to all the many lives that she touched.

Helen was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 68 years, Lester Bruce Grigory; daughter, Wanda Larue Grigory; brothers, Otto Lynn, Nolan Reed, Terry, Norris Malone; and, one sister, Sylvania Harris. Helen is survived by two sons, Jimmie Grigory and his wife Cathy; Jerry Grigory and his wife Daisy; two granddaughters, Amanda and her husband, Brian Bond; and, Jessica Grigory; one grandson, Scott Grigory; three great grandsons, Dylan Coffin, Carson and Brycen Bond; sister-in-law, Elisabeth Harris; nieces and nephews; and, a host of extended family and friends. As the matriarch of the family, she was truly a blessing and ray of sunshine.

Crystal Campbell, Chaplain for Traditions Healthcare Group, officiated at the celebration of her life on February 23, 2019 at Cozart Funeral Home and interment followed at Wealthy Cemetery. The family gratefully acknowledges the kind care rendered by The Traditions Healthcare Group and deeply appreciates the wonderful care and steadfast commitment to Helen’s comfort given by her caregiver and friend, Cristi Swearingen.