Hellene Queen (Houston) Martin

Obituaries typically conjure tears. A unique soul like Hellene Queen Martin would rather you smile.

This is a celebration of life.

Most folks have never heard of the six square-mile piece of land named Louin, Mississippi. But that’s where Hellene’s story began on August 9, 1936 along with her siblings, Lundell nicknamed Red (deceased), Flora Nell, Robert (deceased), Otis (deceased), John, Dorothy (deceased) and Billie. Thank goodness the town was small so their parents Dunk Kline and Bernice Houston (deceased) could keep up with the lively brood of brothers and sisters.

What’s not to love about Hellene, a tenacious woman who survived the Great Depression, a few bouts with cancer, plus her husbands? She was your go-to-girl for whatever you desired because her absolute favorite pastime was thrift shopping. If Hellene couldn’t find it, it didn’t exist. This devout thrift shopper passed on to her three grandsons, Christopher, Gabriel, and Alexander Reed an eye for a bargain and an appreciation for all things name brand.

Hellene was an outdoorsman of sorts. Fishing was high on her list.  There’s even a picture of her nine months pregnant with her only child, Lynn Reed, on the family dock in the Ozarks.  She could also be found on many occasions, outdoors of a Wendy’s waiting for one of her sisters, Flora Nell, or Dorothy Ruth, so they could buy their coveted chocolate frosty.  Outdoors in front of the “boat” (what most call a casino) was another spot frequented by Hellene.  If the number of free meal coupons that arrived in the mail is any indication of how well she did, her wallet was always smiling.  And no matter what country they lived in, Hellene could be found outdoors of her daughter’s and beloved son-in-law Randall Reed’s house just in case they needed help with something.

There’s always something one can learn from a life well-lived. Hellene taught us to look out for each other, love one another, and shine in the unique way in which only you can shine.  She was known as Sugar by her grandsons because of her sweetness and Queenie by those who adored her and knew, no matter what, Hellene was in charge.  And though this is a difficult time for the family with Hellene’s earthly presence sorely missed, find comfort in the many gifts both physical (think thrift store) and intangible that Hellene provided.

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