Helen Aneita Rankin of Pearland, Texas, spent her life lovingly caring for her husband, children, grandchildren, family and friends. She left this world on September 27,2021, at age 86, to be with her Lord and Savior.

She was born to Eva Lorene Austin Knowles and Julius Edwin Knowles on January 9, 1935 in Green Cove Springs, Florida. After graduating from high school, Helen continued to be involved in church where she met her husband, Bill Ray Rankin. Married in a Naval Chapel on December 29,1951 they moved from Florida to live most of their life in Long Beach, California with their two children, Richard and Maria. Helen's life was centered around her husband and children. She loved to cook, especially at the holidays and would stay up late making all the family favorites. The family eventually relocated to Pearland, Texas where Helen celebrated fifty eight years of marriage with her beloved husband Bill.

Helen was an Avon representative for over twenty eight years. She loved visiting with customers who soon became friends. She loved playing Bingo and Bunco with friends especially when it was her time to host. She entertained with crystal and fine china and, of course, with flowers, designed by Maria, on each table. These experiences, like many others, were centered around the friends she made on life's journey.

As a child, she sang in the Baptist Church Choir. The joy she found would later bring joy to others when her love of singing church hymns and country music resurfaced during her days in assisted living. She sang for her fellow residents who often spoke of her beautiful voice and her care and concern for others.

Helen is preceded in death by her parents, husband Bill Ray Rankin, sisters Harriet Knowles Smith, Margaret Knowles Taylor, and brothers Charles "Buddy" Knowles and Julius "Eddie" Knowles, Jr.

A loving mother and grandmother, she is survived by her son Richard Rankin and wife Patty of Pearland, Texas and her daughter Eva Maria Barrows and husband Donald Barrows of Pearland, Texas. Sister, Betty Murhee of Penny Farms, Florida. Her loving grandchildren Anthony Barrows, Jennifer Rankin, Lisa Marshall and husband Matt, Timothy Barrows and wife Angela and her loving great-grand children Harley Barrows, Raelynn Barrows, Brayden Green, Katherine Rankin, Alexandra Rankin and Colten Marshall and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of her life is scheduled for 4:00 p.m., November 12, 2021 at Peevey Funeral Home in Houston, Texas.