Helen Bates Johnson, 58 of Port Arthur, passed away on Friday, October 7, 2016 at MD Anderson Hospital. She was born April 14, 1958 in Port Arthur to the late Peter and Earline Bates. Helen was 1976 graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School

She was a member of Zion Hill Baptist Church where she was the Sunday School superintendent, faithful choir member, mission department and youth worker. She worked in safety at BASF refinery before retiring.

She was preceded in death by her father and mother Peter and Earline Bates and one brother Freddie Allen.

She is survived by her husband Haywood Johnson , of Port Arthur TX to whom she was devoted to for 26 years of marriage; three daughters, Shantel Johnson, Naomi Johnson, and Daysha Johnson all of Port Arthur, TX; one son, Michael Bates of Port Arthur TX; granddaughter Kayleigh Williams and one grandson on the way. Six sisters Jeanette Porter (Ray) and Betty Johnson of Houston, TX, Carolyn Reaux of Dallas, TX, Edna Haley (Nathan) and Shirley Roy of Port Arthur, TX, and Valerie Long (Fred) of Beaumont, TX; three brothers Kevin Bates of Los Angeles, CA, Dana Bates (Bernice) of Albuquerque, NM, and Roland Bates of Port Arthur, TX along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and devoted friends.

Funeral services will be Friday, October 14, 2016 at 11:00 am. Viewing will be from 9:00am -11:00am at First Sixth Street Church with Rev. Eric Guidry officiating. Interment will follow at Live Oak Cemetery. Services entrusted to Gabriel Funeral Home.