Mrs. Helen Frances Sorrells

Helen Frances Sorrells

Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Social Worker emerged from her cocoon into a beautiful woman.
Helen was born to Annie Bell Hobbs and James C. Underwood in a small farm community, Point, Texas. Though, she lived most of her life in Dallas. She maintained a special fondness for the quite, placid and serene life of that rural environment. Helen's mother passed away when Helen was only 12 years old. Nevertheless, she was gifted with a strong and loving father and grandparents. The connection between her parents and seven siblings played a major role in shaping her busy and rewarding life. Mrs. Sorrells' early education started where she was born. After the family moved to Dallas, she attended Phyllis Wheatley Elementary and Lincoln High School. She later earned a Bachelor of Arts and Science Degree from Dallas Baptist University. Helen embraced Baptist then Lutheran teachings where she remained a staunch member of Mount Olive Lutheran Church for over 40 years until her departure from this life. Helen was blessed with five wonderful children as a result oftwo marriages. Joyce and Carlos were products of her union with George Leggett. Markel, Edwin and a stepdaughter, Almetris were of Jim Mack Sorrells' union. Mrs. Sorrells was given the opportunity to play many roles during her life. She was like a beautiful butterfly touching heavenly flowers, as did Helen touched the hearts and lives of many as a caring wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and an advocate for mental health services.
Helen was employed as a Social worker for the first Dallas County Mental Health Clinic In 1969. On September 26, 1997, employees at the Dallas County Mental Health and Mental Retardation (DCMHMR) office honored Mrs. Sorrells for a distinguished, 28-year career of dedicated service that made her one of most respected service provider in the department. For many years Mrs. Sorrells was very active in serving the community as an activist for NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness). She was truly dedicated to promoting self-help and family support for persons with mental illness and their families. She served in the following positions as a board member, vice president and president with NAMI Southern Sector-Dallas. She facilitated the Family to Family Support Group for The Southern Sector.
She will be remembered for her church service. Helen was president of the Women of Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She worked as finance chair person, a Vacation Bible School Teacher, a member of the strategy team committee; she was instrumental in forming a Nar-Anon Rehabilitation group at Mount Olive Lutheran Church for the purpose of helping relatives and friends of those affected by someone else's addiction. Last but not lease, she was a board member on Bethphage Mission, Inc. Board. Helen was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Charlie Underwood, husband, Jim Mack Sorrells; daughter, Joyce Leggett Johnson; She leaves behind four sisters: Doris Billops, Bobbie Wollos, Melba Williams, Shirley Love and husband Joseph; brother, James Underwood; children, Carlos Leggett and wife Annette, Almetris Sorrells, Markel Sorrells, and Edwin Sorrells; 14 grandchildren and 24 great-grand children; sister-in-law, Ruby Underwood; a host of relatives, nieces, nephews, cousins, and loving friends,""