Hellen A. Yarber

Hellen Arlene Mallory Yarber, 94, was welcomed into the arms of her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, January 17, 2018, at Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest Medical Center. Hellen’s life will be celebrated 11:30 a.m., Monday, January 22, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home with Pastor Randy Scrivener officiating. Burial will follow at Waco Memorial Park. Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 p.m., Sunday, January 21, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home. Mrs. Yarber was born in Waco, Texas, to Richard Franklin and Myrtis Mallory. She grew up with 6 siblings and family was extremely important to her. When she was 16 she met and married D.M. Yarber on December 9, 1939, and they had 3 children. She received her Master of Science in Education from Baylor University, which was the beginning of her passion for education. She taught at St. Albans, Waco ISD and Valley Mills ISD for over 50 years. She often would be approached by former students when she was out shopping. She was one of the first teachers in Waco to receive the “Teacher of the Year” award in 1984. She taught Bible school for many years and tutored numerous children, as well as family members. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Society of Educators and a lifetime member of the Texas Retired Teachers Assn. She also worked at Western Union and Veterans Affairs Hospital prior to becoming an educator. She attended the Hewitt First United Methodist Church. Hellen was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 48 years, D.M.; daughter, Sharon Ann Yarber; granddaughter, Shannon Yarber; sisters, Lucille Bonner, Jessie Lease and Louise Mallory; and brothers, Clyde Mallory and Cecil Mallory Hellen is survived by her sons, Lawrence R. Yarber and Claudette, and Charles F. Yarber and Judy; sister, Kathryn Holder and John; sister-in-law, Eva Mallory; grandchildren, Christen Kimmitt and Jonathan, Lindsey Martin and Daniel, Chas Yarber, Matt Strahan and Jennifer, Cory Ironside and James A. Strahan; great grandchildren, Breanna and Haley Cotton, Kylie and Anna Kimmitt, Colton and Landon Yarber, Reece, Dane and Danni Martin, and Hayden Strahan; and great-great grandchild, Kayden Warren. She is survived by many nieces, nephews and wonderful friends. Special thanks and love to nieces, Donna Benton and Sue Clark. Pallbearers will be Chas Yarber, Colton Yarber, Reece Martin, Landon Yarber, Matt Strahan and James A. Strahan. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com.