Helen Odessa Benthall

Helen Odessa Benthall, age 86, of Forest Hill Texas, Passed away on December 25, 2025. She was born in Canton, Texas, on January 31, 1939, to her parents Ode Reeve and Lucille Almond Reeve, and lived a life grounded in family and creativity.

Helen Odessa married Vance Benthall in 1954, and they shared 63 years of marriage together. Vance preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her sons Ernest Dale Benthall and Donny Jay Benthall: her granddaughter Lauren Benthall Davis and her spouse, CJ Davis: her sister Benji McCormick: and her parents, Ode Reeve and Lucille Almond Reeve.

She is survived by her son Troy Benthall and wife Tammy Benthall: her daughter Amber Brewer: her daughter-in-law Joyce Benthall who was married to her late son Ernest Dale Benthall: her grandchildren Wendy Benthall and her spouse, Daniel Dodson, Dusty Benthall, Brittney Benthall Campos and her spouse, William Campos, Kenneth Benthall, Delanea Benthall and Mauricio Cortez: and her great-grandchildren Ryder Benthall. Jacob Campos, Liam Campos, Violet Benthall, and Grace Dodson. 

Helen Odessa faithfully attended church where she found strength, peace and purpose. She was creative and expressed herself through painting and art. Helen Odessa created beautiful canvas paintings, each lovingly signed "Judy", a nickname given to her by her parents and affectionately used by her sister and nieces. 

She had a love for all animals and grew up on a farm, where she learned the value of hard work, caring for others, and appreciating the simple things in life. She was known for her resourcefulness-carefully keeping what she had, reusing items whenever possible, and living with practicality and intention.

Helen Odessa also found joy in gardening and flowers, taking pride in watching things grow and bloom. Those who know her will remember her creativity, her love for family, and her resourcefulness. The memories she created, the art she left behind, and the lessons she passed on will continue to live on through all who were blessed to know her. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First Baptist Church of Everman. 501 W. Barron Avenue, Everman Texas 76140

"Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me will live, even though they die."  - John 11:25