Helen was born in Taylor, Texas on April 15, 1947, and was the fourth of eight children born to Frank K. Carter and Blanche L. Johnson Carter.

Born in a military family, Helen graduated from George Washington High School in Guam. She returned to Texas and graduated from A&C College of Beauty in Austin.

She married Douglas Elliff in 1970. Together they enjoyed camping and the coastal life in Corpus Christi for 20 years until his death in 1990.

Helen later worked and retired from Southwestern Bell as a telephone operator and was a proud member of the SWB Pioneers. Helen never had a cross word about anything and never met a stranger.

Helen enjoyed traveling, arts and crafts, bingo, dominos and Bible study. She attended First Baptist Church of Taylor where she met numerous friends in Christ.

Helen was a loving daughter, sister, niece, aunt and cousin and a dear friend to many. She will be missed by all, including her beloved dog, Herman.

Helen is survived by brothers Kenneth L. Carter of Austin, JC Carter of Dripping Springs, sister Rosemary Schmidt (Dennis) of Taylor, Uncle Carlos Johnson of Manor, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Helen is preceded in death by her husband Douglas Elliff, father Frank K. Carter, mother Blanche L. Carter, sister Karen A. Carter, sister Constance L. Carter, brother Dennis L. Carter, brother Dwaine A. Carter and wife Letitia K. Carter, sisterin- law Linda M. Carter, niece Jennifer Carter, and nephews Brandon Carter and Darrell Carter.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to Ascension Seton Williamson Hospital staff and Compassus Hospice for their loving care and support for Helen and her family during her stay.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the City of Taylor, Texas, Animal Shelter, or the First Baptist Church of Taylor.

A Celebration of life will be held at First Baptist Church, 2500 Mallard Lane, Taylor, Texas 76574 on July 18, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. followed by an internment at the Taylor Cemetery. The family welcomes you to join them for lunch immediately following graveside services, at First Baptist Church of Taylor.