Helen Frances Waldrop

Helen Frances (Miller) Waldrop, 85, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. Her life work was to point all she met “to the best friend they will ever have – Jesus.”

Helen was born on March 6, 1940 in Loving, Texas to Franklin Guy and Thelma Clay (Neill) Miller. She grew up in the communities of Loving and Graham, Texas. It was in Loving with her Sunday School teacher that Helen met Jesus as her Lord and Savior on June 12, 1952. She graduated from Graham High School in 1958 with honors.

It was in Graham on a blind date that Helen met the love of her life and constant supporter of all her endeavors, George Waldrop. They were happily married for 64 years, recently celebrating their anniversary on April 22. Together they raised two daughters, Brenda and Beth. She poured herself into these girls, supporting them in their childhood activities as well as their hopes and dreams for the future.

When Helen and George moved to Arlington in August 1963, they quickly joined First Baptist Church Arlington where they found a spiritual home, friendships and ministry opportunities. Helen began writing Children’s Sunday School curriculum in 1968, which led to opportunities to lead trainings for children’s teachers in congregations across Texas, the US, and internationally. She wrote for the Sunday School Board and finished her writing career as Editor with Faithway and Baptist Way, both of the Baptist General Convention of Texas.

Due to Helen’s teaching, training and writing experience, she was asked to serve as Children’s Director for three different interim periods at First Baptist Church Arlington. In March 1978 First Baptist chose her to be the full time Children’s Director. She was ordained as a minister of the Gospel on July 2, 1995. She served faithfully in this capacity for 24 years, leading Children’s Camps, VBS, numerous programs, and developing a “What It Means To Be A Christian” class for children. In addition to her leadership of the Children’s Ministry, Helen led and participated in the First Baptist Church Prayer Ministry for 35 years. Helen initially thought she was called to be a missionary, so God enabled her to serve as leader and participant on mission trips to Wisconsin, Minnesota, Mexico, Brazil and Poland.

In 2001, Helen retired and began to focus more of her attention on being “Granny” to five grandchildren and eventually five great-grandchildren whom she showered with love, care and presents. Her favorite celebration was Christmas with all the family gathered to celebrate the birth of our Savior.

Helen is survived by her beloved husband, George; daughters Brenda Covert and husband Steve, Beth Stearns and husband Nathan; sisters Annie Belle Burdick, Juanita Rogers, Joyce Hinson, Shirley Miller, and brother Howard Miller; her grandchildren Carter Covert and wife Savanah, Austin Stearns and wife Lakin, Carley Horne and husband Zac, Sara Rogers and husband Chris, and Carson Covert; and her cherished great-grandchildren Miller Stearns, Sloan Covert, Witten Stearns, Sage Covert, and Kennedy Horne.

In lieu of flowers to honor Helen’s legacy and ministry, donations may be given to FBCA Children’s Connect & WOW Camp Scholarships.