Helen Elizabeth Batte Copeland

 

 

HELEN ELIZABETH BATTE COPELAND, born to Thomas Robert Batte, Jr. oil man, and his wife Berthel Stovall Batte, language expert, on June 12, 1912, in Houston, TX. When she was a year old, her family moved to Mexico where they had homes in Tampico and Mexico City. Helen lived in Mexico for 14 years, in New York City for 2 years, and the rest of her life in Houston, TX. Helen had a B.A. degree for Rice University in 1932, and a Masters Degree from Columbia University in 1935. She also did work on her PHD degree in English Literature. In Houston, TX. HISD Helen taught Texas History, American History, American Literature, English Literature and public speaking in Thomas Edison Junior High School, Sam Houston High School, San Jacinto High School, and Jesse H. Jones High School until her retirement in 1974. Helen was a world traveler. In Houston she was a member of the College Women's Club, En Arnie book Review club, Wednesday Book Club, and Ann Poag Chapter of the DAR. Helen gave book reviews at various book clubs around Houston, including many at LEOH Club; She also was a poet of some note. She is survived by her sister Robbie B. Huwar, nieces Joan S. Edmonds and Ruth Mc Master, nephews Robert G. Stell, and Jack N. Stell, cousin Arthur Parker, cousin-in-law Alice Aldrich and many other relatives. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, January 2, 2003 at Forest Park Lawndale Family Chapel with a private interment following services at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery.


Published in the Houston Chronicle on 12/31/2002.