HELEN DALLAS

Helen Dallas was born on March 16, 1930, the second of two daughters born to the union of James
Henry Thompson and Beulah Mae Dyer-Thompson in Gibsland, Louisiana. She was raised in a loving
Christian home with her older sister, Jessica. Helen accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age.
As it was in those times, many migrated west in search of a better life. So the Thompson family moved
to Blythe, CA in 1944 and stayed only one year due to the unbelievable heat, before settling for good in
San Diego, CA.
Helen was educated at the local school district in Gibsland, and graduated High School at Point Loma
High School in San Diego. She continued her education by attending Associate College where she
studied business and clerical work.
On January 6, 1966, Helen married the love of her life, Gunnery Sergeant Olanders S. Dallas, known to
most folks as “Dallas”. As this was truly part of God’s plan he had only been recently transferred to the
Marine Corps base in San Diego, when he met his wife to be. They lived a wonderful life together raising
their 3 daughters, Paula, Brenda and Joyce, serving God faithfully at Bethel Baptist Church, in addition to
entertaining and traveling to many wonderful destinations across the globe. Helen was known for her
amazing cooking and baking skills, (especially her delicious pound cakes and sweet potato pies) as well
as having a keen eye for style. She was a sharp dresser and always made sure her husband was too. She
was the epitome of class, grace and decorum. She loved her family and was always concerned about
how we all were doing. Because of her concern for our welfare, she was given the nickname “Matlock”
after the TV character who was a dynamic attorney, because despite her kind and sweet demeanor she
took care of business and made sure her girls and grandsons did too! Helen also loved having friends
and family over and entertaining at their home, especially during Thanksgiving and Christmastime.

In 1985, Helen said goodbye and retired from her position with San Diego Gas and Electric Co. She was
not exactly your average retirement age, but her husband told her if she was ready to leave then that
was ok with him! He even made arrangements to pick her up in a limousine, in front of all her co-
workers, as the family cheered her on to the next journey of her life.
Helen loved the Lord and made it her life’s work to serve Him. The Thompson family joined Bethel in
1946 under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Charles H. Hampton, and as of 1979 under Rev. Dr. John Ringgold.
She served faithfully as a Deaconess, President of the Pearl Frye Missionary circle and Altar Guild for
many years. Helen was honored with a very special award for her missionary work at the church.
On Tuesday, October 11, surrounded by her daughters, Helen made her transition to her eternal rest
with her heavenly Father. Going from labor to her reward. Helen is preceded in death by her parents,
James and Beulah Mae Thompson, her daughter, Paula Jones, her sister, Jessica Wilson, her niece, Ruby
Hughes, and son-in-law, Kevin Cattenhead.
She leaves to cherish her memory, her loving and devoted husband of 56 years, Olanders Dallas, their
daughters, Brenda Akaigbe (Francis, ‘Frankie’), Joyce Cattenhead (Kevin), her niece, Annette James, her
grandchildren, James Bowlin (Renee), Malcolm Darrell (Jonetta), John, Frankie Jr, and Candace Akaigbe;
Her great- grandchildren, Mac, Eryn, Joslyn, Malachi, Malcolm Jr, and James Jr., as well as a host of
relatives and friends who loved her dearly. She will be truly missed, but will always be in our hearts.

"BE THE LIGHT..."

MATTHEW 5:14

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