Helen Garland
December 23. 1919 – August 17, 2015

Helen (Jackie) Garland, 95, of Waco, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 17, 2015, surrounded by her loving family after a brief illness following a stroke on August 6.

Visitation with her family will be 1 pm – 2 pm, Thursday, August 20 at OakCrest Funeral Home, 4520 Bosque Blvd, followed by a funeral procession to Oakwood Cemetery for a 2:30 pm Graveside Service.

Jackie was born December 23, 1919 in Waco, and made it her home for life. While attending Waco High School, Jackie met her lifetime partner, Hugh Clark Garland. After graduation from Baylor University in 1940, Jackie and Clark were married February 1, 1941, by Dr. W. W. Melton, who was the father of one of Jackie's childhood friends. Jackie then embraced a teaching career of over 12 years with the Waco Independent School District.

In the early 1960's, Clark and Jackie purchased and ran Waco Patrol Service and Detective Agency as co-owners for over 46 years, before retiring to spend all their time with family.

Jackie had a passion for travel, history and education. She traveled extensively around the world, experiencing many different cultures and bringing home many treasures. As her children were growing up, every summer Jackie and Clark would pile the kids in the car and see how many state capitals they could visit during their road trips.

Jackie continued her thirst for education with her teaching Sunday School for over 30 years, while leading Bible Study Fellowship and taking additional courses at Baylor into her 80's.

Jackie cherished her over 70 years of marriage to Clark, and was blessed with 3 children, 8 grandchildren, 15 and counting great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. Family and faith were the cornerstone of her fondest memories.

She is survived by her son, Joe Garland and wife, Kim, of Orlando, FL; daughter-in-law, Gladys Ann Garland of Waco; son-in-law, Bill Grant of Plano; brother-in-law, Robert Garland, and wife Darilene of San Antonio; 8 grandchildren and spouses, Stacey Siebert of Katy, Jackie Brewer of Waco, Michele Sperling of Chicago, Ryan Garland of Shalimar, FL, Grant Garland of Katy, Kyle Grant of College Station, Kim Wilson of Jacksonville, FL, and Wes Grant of Dallas.

Jackie was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Clark Garland; her beloved daughter and son, Jane Grant and Hugh Garland, Jr, and her 2 sisters.

The Garland family is eternally grateful for the prayers and support of our friends, our church families and the many care providers who took such good care of Jackie.

In lieu of floral arrangements, the family requests that any memorials be directed to Western Heights Baptist Church.