Helen Marie Neal "Ree" was born September 14, 1947, to Dorothy Lee and Lewis James Ellis in Riverside, California. When the family relocated back to Plano, Texas, she attended Plano Independent School District. Helen was a lifelong member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church and often talked of returning to services.

Helen loved music and dancing and could often be found being the life of the party. She had a special place in her life for her friends, family, and especially her fur babies. She may have been small, but her appetite was mighty, anything fried was all right with her.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Marion Jackson (Pinky) and Terri Timon; brothers, Edward Ellis, James Ellis (Stinky), Jeffrey Dabbs, and George Michael Ellis.

Those left to carry on Helen's memories are her husband, Jimmy Neal; son, Jason L. Johnson; daughter, Jaquay J. Johnson Williams (Byron); grandchildren, Mikaela, Madison, and Javon; fur babies, Sierra, Samuel L, and Santiago.

Helen will undoubtedly be missed by her siblings, Carol Ann Drake (Thelma and Louise), Mikki Burns (Herman), Willie Lee and Jay Ellis. Helen leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews that played a special part in her life and friends who all loved her dearly.