Helen Emma (White) Coulson was born April 8, 1925, to Thomas Othello
and Olga Anna Elnora Elizabeth (Carlson) White in a little log home NE
of Russell
Helen was the 3rd born of 8 children. Her siblings: Dr. Thomas
Caryl 1921 (Catherine), Jenny (died at birth 1923), Dean Carlson 1927
(Leah), Dale Benjamin 1928, Lucille Elizabeth White Funk 1931 (Murray).
Born to Ida Victoria Carlson & Thomas Othello; Janet Patricia White
Clark 1939 (Larry), David Addison White 1941 (Shirley).
Helen’s first memories were growing up in Cedar township of
Lucas County, with her family home at the top of big Cedar Hill with the
Cedar “Crick” flowing near the bottom of the hill. They walked 1.5
miles to Cedar Grove #5 Country school, also known as “Dickerville”, 9
miles East of Chariton, and was nicknamed from the dickering of prices
at a nearby store. She attended Cedar Grove kindergarten through 8th grade. She would often cut through the
timber, picking bouquets of daisies and sweet williams. When winter
came, often with deep snows too deep to forge through, their father
would hook up the horse and sleigh to take them to school.
Helen’s mother, Olga, passed away, (8.5.1931), one day after
giving birth. Helen was 6, it was during the time of the Great
Depression. It was a heart breaking time. A difficult decision was made
for the baby to live with Thomas’ brother Shelby White and his wife,
Lena. They had no children and they raised Lucille as their own. During
the difficult adjusting year, Helen and her brothers often stayed with
her Swedish immigrant grandparents, Emma Gustava (Erickson) and John
Agustova Carlson in the Lucas Co area. Her father, Thomas, married Ida
Victoria Carlson on June 29, 1933, (Olga & Ida’s fathers were
brothers: John Carlson & Claus David Carlson).
As was her loving and compassionate nature, Helen doted on and
mothered her brothers and little sister Janet, who lovingly called her
“Honey” through the years.
Helen loved learning and reading, (her favorite subject), and
read voraciously throughout her life. She attended Chariton High School
her sophomore year and stayed with her maternal grandparents. The other 3
years of high school were at Russell where she Graduated in 1943 with a
teaching certificate. She then attended a 6 week course at Simpson
Summer College during the summer.
At 18, in the fall 1943-44,Helen taught at Franklin (“Good”) 6
miles East of Chariton, in Lincoln Township. Franklin school closed so
Helen then transferred to Oxford, on the road toward Williamson, and
taught for 2 years (1944 –1946). She then taught at Cedar Grove -
Dickerville, 1946-1947. She attended another 6 week coarse at Simpson
College the summer 1947. Helen taught at Red Rock Dunwreath school
north of Knoxville in 1947-1949. She stayed with Daisy & Delbert
Barr, who she grew to love and admire, as they did her, bonding a life
time friendship. In the 80’s, Helen took some night classes in Chariton
through Indian Hills and Drake.
One hot summer day in 1948, while attending teachers meetings
in Knoxville, Helen took a break. Jim Cooper, a friend of Helen’, drove
past her with his friend, Floyd Coulson. Jim stopped and introduced
Helen to Floyd. Helen took a 6 week course at Simpson College that
summer as Floyd and she began dating. Helen married Floyd Loal Coulson,
son of Jesse and Maude (Cook) Coulson on April 16, 1949 at the EUB
Church in Chariton, Iowa. Officiating was Pastor Clifford Carter.
To this marriage were born Steven Floyd / 1949, Stewart Thomas /
1953, and Shari Helen / 1955. In 1958 Helen and Floyd moved with their
family from their little Knoxville home on Conway Street to a farm near
her family, NE of Russell with a dilapidated old “fixer-upper” farm
house. A place they would call home forever. Together they worked hard
on the farm. She with gardening, baking, sewing, cooking and caring for
her family all while the old farm home was being remodeled and rebuilt
by Floyd among the honey bees and terrible mess. It became a beautiful
home set on the edge of the timber with rolling hills and a “crick”
nearby. A home where a multitude of memories were made and are
cherished. Where a menagerie of pets would find homes. Where lessons in
the stars and skies were taught and moonlit walks were taken. Where she
taught her children to love all creation and honor the Creator of all.
You could always find her at the end of the day, knelt by her bed in
prayer. Our mother’s prayers have followed us all of our lives.
Helen was blessed by being able to live on the farm until she
moved to Homestead Assisted Living in Jan 2018, after a debilitating
fall and remained there until she peacefully passed away.
Helen accepted Jesus as her Savior at a young age and later was
baptized at the Russell Baptist Church as a young girl (freshman), by
Rev. Archie Beals. Helen was a faithful member of Bethel Evangelical
United Brethren/United Methodist Church, throughout her life. Bethel
Church was where Floyd, Helen and their children worshipped together
through the years. Helen served in many roles as Youth Fellowship
leader, Sunday school teacher, VBS leader, Ladies Aid / Women’s Society
President, Delegate to conferences, and officer of the Board, until the
closing of Bethel Church in 2006. Bethel remained dear to her heart. She
treasured her memories in that little country church where her family
and church family spent precious time.
Helen worked for a short period of time sewing at Gross
Galesburg Pants Factory in Chariton. Helen belonged to Ladies American
Legion Auxiliary, Chariton Women’s Club and Lucas Co Retired Teachers.
She was very involved as a parent with all her kids activities, Parent
Teacher Association, Music/Band, Athletic Boosters, and was a substitute
teacher in the school system.
1968, their 18 yr old son, Steven, was killed in an automobile
accident on his way to play in a basketball tournament. Although she
pressed on and held strong onto her faith in Jesus Christ, she would
never overcome the grief of losing him.
Giving was also her nature, giving of herself and giving what she
had. She was a devoted care giver and always helped her parents,
especially during their times of greatest need. Her brother, Dale, who
was more like a son, was always an intricate part of her life, she doted
on him and enjoyed having him join her family for vacations, outings,
holidays, birthdays and daily visits. Helen also looked forward to her
sister, Janet's, regular visits and calls
Helen loved her children, 6 grandchildren & 17
great-grandchildren with all her heart. Her grandchildren lovingly
called her “Nana”. As they grew and had families of their own and
settled in many different states across the country, she anticipated and
treasured visits from them. She was a strong presence in both her
immediate and extended family, always making an effort to send cards and
notes and attended events and reunions as long as her health permitted.
She instilled compassion, love and a “can do” attitude in her children
and, even in her most difficult times, tried to share a positive outlook
with her hope and trust in Christ.
Helen enjoyed playing the piano and did so mostly by ear before
her hands became crippled with arthritis. She instilled the love of
music in her children and encouraged and taught them to sing and play
instruments. She enjoyed looking at pictures, making scrapbooks,
crocheting, watching birds and wildlife from her window where she sat
each day at home. She had a passion for learning. She had a special
touch of beauty, style, fashion, and creativity. Her artistic
penmanship was an example of her style and beauty as were her written
words. She had a sharp mind and keen memory along with a good sense of
humor. She had a stubbornness and would generally speak what was on her
mind and could argue a crooked line straight. She was a fierce defender
of her faith, her family, and the Republican Party. She loved growing
her flowers and learning all about them. She became a part of the world
of computers later in her life and was an avid Facebook member, surfing
the web and emailing. She was a correspondent for the Chariton
Newspaper writing the “Bethel News” for over 30 years. God Called Helen
to her Heavenly home on: March 10th, 2021
To carry on their family legacy are her Children; Stewart (Nina)
Coulson of Charles City, IA, Shari (David) DeBok of Russell, IA , Grand
and Great Grandchildren; Gayla, (Jason) Posch, Addisyn, Jordyn of
Olathe, KS ; Ryan (Courtney) DeBok, Claire, Lincoln, Kate, Madeline,
Zach, Iris of Paola, KS ; Charles (Aly) DeBok and Madden & Dylan of
Ft Worth, TX; Adam (Michelle) Coulson Delaney, Rowan of Highland Ranch,
CO; Andy (Morgan) Coulson Crosby, Cami, Mila of Brooklyn Park, MN;
Sherri Meza, Gwen, Maui of Charles City, IA; Brother; David White,
Sisters; Janet Clark, and Lucille Funk of Chariton. Nieces, Nephews,
Cousins & Friends. Preceding her in death: Husband, Floyd (2011) of
61 years, her 18 year old Son Steven (1968), Parents: Olga (1931),
Thomas (1971) and Ida (1969), Brothers: Dr Thomas Caryl (2000), Dean
(2012), and Dale (2020), Brothers and sisters in laws, aunts and uncles,
nieces and nephews.
Well Done, Good And Faithful Servant Matthew 25:23
Service Date: Sunday, March 14. 2021 Time 2:00pm
Place: Fielding Funeral Home
