Elizabeth Ann Helton, 78, of Beaumont died Saturday, September 26, 2009, at Memorial Hermann Baptist Beaumont Hospital.  A native and lifelong resident of Beaumont, Elizabeth was born July 2, 1931, to Earl Alexander and Della (Hutchins) West.

Elizabeth had a long and notable career in nursing which began at the University of Houston. She received her diploma from Methodist Hospital School of Nursing in 1951. She later completed her Bachelor of Science from Saint Joseph College in Windham, Maine in 1984.        

She worked at all the area hospitals during her career, and was most proud of her contributions in opening the new Humana Hospital in 1975 which is now Baptist Hospital.  Prior to this she was Inservice Coordinator at St. Elizabeth Hospital from 1969-1971.  In 1971 she moved to Newton, Texas as Director of Nurses of the new hospital which included managing Surgery, Obstetrics, and Emergency Room.  In 1978-1988 she worked as Nurse Surveyor with the Department of Health-Long-Term Care Unit. She finished her career at Beaumont Medical Surgical Hospital as Nurse Manager and Utilization Review Coordinator.

During her career, she was mentor to many and loved and respected by all.  She loved life and lived it to the fullest.  Her hobbies included boating, water skiing, dancing and, as a young girl, flying. She loved all animals but was partial to her many German Shepherds.

Survivors include her daughters, Bonnie Lewis of Jasper, Cynthia Maloy of Houston, Susan Ward and her husband Roy of Beaumont, and Linda Korns and her husband Gary of Beaumont; eleven grandchildren; one great grandchild; and many other loving family members, and nieces.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Brenda Edmondson; brothers, J.K. West and Earl West, Jr.; and her parents, Della Hutchins and Earl A. West.

Her funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 29, 2009, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont with burial to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Beaumont.  A gathering of her family and friends will be Monday, September 28, 2009, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Broussard’s.

Memorial contributions may be made to Humane Society of Southeast Texas, P.O. Box 1629, Beaumont, Texas 77704.