Helen R. Garner was born on September 3, 1922 in Atkins, Arkansas and made her transition on October 14, 2020.  She was the eldest daughter of John Scott and Minerva Ruby Jones and a member of the St. James AME Church. She was predeceased by her husband, Mr. Samuel J. Garner, parents, sister and two brothers.

She attended Arkansas AM&N College (University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff) and went forward to receive her master's degree in early childhood education from Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, AR.

She was passionate about children getting an education thus fueling her desire to return to the classroom after obtaining her master's degree.  She was one of the key creative force behind the initiation and growth of government based early childhood programs i.e. Head Start becoming its principal teacher stressing remarkably high academic standards for low income children. Throughout life she was a tireless fighter for excellence, discipline and education in herself and for students whose lives she touched.

At the time of her transition, she leaves to cherish her life and memory her four children Sandra G. Garner (Fort Worth, TX), Vernon S. (Nadira) Garner (Camden, AR), Yolanda (Manuel) Lebron (Fort Worth, TX), Sheila R.( Charles) Challenger (Austin, TX) and her grandkids Helena Garner, Scott Daniel Garner, Schila Challenger and Charles Challenger Jr.

.