Helen Margaret Thurman

Helen Margaret Black Thurman was born in Walters, OK, December 10, 1917 to Dee and Besse Wood Black. She passed away July 3, 2011 in Lawton, OK at the age of 93 years, 6 months and 23 days. Helen was a graduate of Walters High School and attended Central State College, Edmond, OK. To a brief marriage during World War II, a daughter Jane was born. In 1950, Helen married A. B. Thurman. To this union two sons, Clinton and David, were born. During her long residence in Walters, Helen was employed as a bookkeeper at Ford Motor and clerk at Parrish Insurance. She also served as case worker for the Cotton County Department of Human Services and later, City Clerk for the City of Walters. She was a state officer in the Oklahoma Municipal Clerks organization. Helen was a lifelong and active member of the First Presbyterian Church, Walters, serving both as Deacon and Elder. She was also active in numerous community civic organizations including the board of the Walters Public Library from the mid-1930s to the mid-1990s. She served as chairman of the Cotton County Election Board for many years, and also served decades as secretary of the Walters Educational Foundation from its founding until 2007. After her retirement, Helen delivered Meals on Wheels for 18 years. Helen is survived by her two sons and their wives, David and Emma Thurman and Clinton and Debbie Thurman of Walters and a daughter Jane Beckman of Wichita Falls; three grand-children Jenny Thurman, Fort Worth; Amanda Samples, Rowlett, TX and John Beckman, Charleston, WV, also step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many friends. Memorial donations can be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 319 E. Indiana, Walters, OK 73572 or the Walters Education Foundation, 418 S. Broadway, Walters. Online guest book at www.hart-wyattfuneralhome.com