Helen Dodds Schneider

Helen Louise Dodds died peacefully at home with her family on December 27, 2023, at 93. She was born on July 28, 1930, at the Broadacres Ranch in Maricopa County, Arizona, to Jesse James Dodds and Lucile Hill Dodds. Helen was a scholar and graduated from Wainwright High School as Valedictorian in 1947 and from Northeastern State College in Tahlequah, OK, in 1951. Her first employment after college was as secretary to the Muskogee County School Superintendent from 1951 to 1955; she later moved to Dallas, Texas (1955) and was employed by a railroad shipping company. She quickly worked her way up to executive secretary to the company's president. Helen married Charles Bradford Schneider on November 2, 1956, which began a loving 65-year marriage. As a spiritual leader who embodied wisdom and faith, Helen stayed engaged in community activities, religious gatherings, and charitable work aligned with her beliefs. She joined Kessler Park United Methodist Church in 1956, where she was a longtime active member, a beloved Sunday school teacher for many years, and served as a Stephen's Minister. She was also a volunteer at Methodist Medical Center. Throughout the years, Helen was compassionate and enjoyed serving others. She was an integral part of caring for her sister Ruby Dodds Ramsey while Ruby was dying of leukemia (1957). Helen's role as a nurturer and caregiver demonstrated the importance of compassion and selflessness in supporting loved ones during their times of need. She was exemplary of the power of love and familial support. She and "Chuck" settled in their first and only home in the Wynnewood North neighborhood in 1963. Helen and Chuck had a foster son, First Lieutenant Raymond Caswell, who died in the line of duty in Vietnam. Helen retired from her professional career to be a full-time devoted mother to their daughter Shelley Rae in 1971. Helen was a very loving, supportive, and involved parent. During Shelley's elementary years, Helen played a significant role in the PTA for the Margaret B Henderson Elementary School. It's evident that Helen's baking skills went beyond simply making delicious treats; they were a reflection of her love, generosity, and the genuine joy she found in bringing happiness to others. The nickname "Sugar-Momma," given by her grandsons, speaks to the special place she held in the hearts of those fortunate enough to taste her creations. The fact that Helen's grandsons gave her the nickname "Sugar-Momma" adds an even more touching and personal dimension to her role as a baker, caregiver, and Grandma. It underscores the deep affection and appreciation they had for her and the special bond they shared. The nickname symbolized the unique and cherished place she held in their hearts. It's a testament to her enduring impact on her family and loved ones, leaving behind a legacy of love, sweetness, and warm memories. In the early 1970s, Helen and Chuck were of a small few core homeowners who created and maintained a long-term relationship as neighborhood representatives with the Dallas Police Department, beginning with Officer Dick Hickman. Officer Hickman would keep up with the neighborhood issues and do daily surveillance. Building this solid and positive relationship between the police and residents had lasting impressions on the few children growing up in the neighborhood, fostering trust, community engagement, and a sense of safety. Eventually, this core group grew into what is now the WNNA (Wynnewood North Neighborhood Association). Helen was a huge Dallas Cowboys fan who knew that popcorn on the couch at a specific critical time of a game could give her Cowboys that extra something they needed to win! Helen's ability to see the "big picture" and her determination to improve difficult situations, along with her quick wit and loving compassion for all, are genuinely admirable qualities that left a positive mark on those who had the privilege of knowing her. Helen made the world a better place with her empathy, energy, spirit, and faith. Her presence and contributions will be dearly missed. Helen is survived by her daughter Shelley Rae Stunard and husband Walter; grandsons Wesley, Ryan, and Riley Stunard; niece Kay Ramsey; nephew Roy Dean Ramsey; and niece Janice Ramsey. Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Charles B Schneider (April 13, 2021); parents, Helen Lucille Dodds and Jesse James Dodds; son, First Lieutenant Raymond Caswell; brother, Roy Dodds; and sister, Ruby Dodds Ramsey. A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 20, at 2 p.m. in the sanctuary of Kessler Park United Methodist Church, 1215 Turner Ave., Dallas, TX 75208. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Helen's name to The Kessler Park United Methodist Church. Graveside Services will be held at 2:15 P.M. on Monday - January 22, 2024 in the Dallas/Ft. Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mt. Creek Pkwy., Dallas, TX.