Mary Helen Franks Hanson, 81, of Baytown, was born on October 10, 1930, in New Baden, Texas, and passed away at home surrounded by angels and family on Friday, February 17, 2012, after an eighteen-month battle with colon cancer. Helen was one of the seven children born at home and raised on the family farm in Franklin, Texas. She graduated from Franklin High School at the age of 16. Helen met the love of her life, Halbert Hanson, at the age of 20, at a traveling skating rink in Hearne, Texas. They married in 1950, living in Hearne and having four children. The family moved to Baytown in 1968. Helen was an awesome homemaker and a fantastic cook. She was featured in the "Best Cook on the Block" in the Baytown Sun many years ago. She loved being with her family more than anything, with an occasional trip to Coushatta. She was the most loved wife, mom and grandma on Earth.

She is preceded in death by her parents, L. B. and Clara Franks; her loving husband who died in 2008, Halbert Hanson; her dear daughter who died in 2009, Deborah Hanson Lounsberry; brothers, Alvah Franks and Delano Franks; and sisters, Mildred Parr, Lois Sheffield and Vendetta Franks. She is survived by her devoted children and their spouses, Mike and Sherri Hanson, Judy and Robert Barrow and Cathy and Randy Strong, all of Baytown. Loving grandchildren are Heather Muckleroy and fiancé, Clemente Arias; Robbie Barrow Shackouls and husband, Andy, Brandi Hanson, Brandon Lounsberry and wife, Robyn, Brandon Hanson and wife, Michelle, Kimberly Lounsberry Myers and husband, Denny, Kelley Barrow, Megan Strong, Lori Strong Kaiser and husband, Donnie, and Emily Strong Moor and husband, Halley, Jr. Most precious to her heart were her great grandchildren, Molly and Hunter Myers, Skylar Hanson Gunn, Helen Grace Shackouls, Conrad Lounsberry, Mary Catherine Arias, Colton and Karson Kaiser, Preslie, Hailey III and Tate Moor, and two more on the way. She is also survived by a brother, Ira Franks, Sr. and wife, Armaline, and numerous nieces, nephews, in-law, friends and neighbors who will miss her sweet smile and Sunday dinners.

A memorial service honoring her life will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 25, 2012, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 5010 N. Main and Cedar Bayou- Lynchburg Road, with Reverend Nick Novak officiating. Her body will be cremated and joined with her husband in the Columbarium at Trinity Episcopal Church.
The family would like to thank Dr. Louis Hughes, Dr. Whittman, Dr. Dancel, and Faith Community Hospice for their special and loving care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Trinity Episcopal Church Building Fund.