Imogene Hellums was born in rural Marion County, Mississippi, on June 21, 1930. She met her husband, Billy Max Hellums, at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Houston, and the two were married in 1946. Their marriage spanned more than sixty years until Billy's passing in 2007.

Imogene and Billy both retired from Southwestern Bell Telephone Company after thirty years of service. Following their retirement, they returned to Billy's home in Madison County, where they enjoyed a quieter life together raising cattle, spending time with their grandchildren, and traveling. Their grandchildren brought them great joy, and some of Imogene's happiest years were those spent at Brushy Creek surrounded by family. After Billy's death, Imogene moved to Corpus Christi to be closer to her sister, Mattie.

Imogene was a devoted member of the First Baptist Church of Madisonville for thirty years, where her deep and abiding faith was reflected in her service to others. For many of those years, she faithfully served as the leader of the Adult 7 and 8 Sunday School class, ministering to and teaching the church's elderly ladies. She cherished the opportunity to share God's Word, offer encouragement and fellowship, and serve those in her church family. Her dedication to her faith and her loving service to others were an important part of her life and a lasting reflection of the person she was.

Imogene was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Max Hellums; her beloved son, David Allen Hellums; her parents, Lillie Mae Carlisle and Matthew Carlisle; and her sisters, Ada Merle Glick and Mattie Lee Hays.

She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Kathy Hellums, who lovingly cared for Imogene in her later years; her grandsons, Matt Benkoski and Adam Benkoski, and their spouses; her granddaughter, Jenny Benkoski; two great-grandsons; and her miniature schnauzer and companion, Button.

Imogene lived a long life marked by faith, devotion to family, and service to others. She was deeply loved and cherished by her family and friends, and her memory will live on in the lives of those she touched. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

A graveside service for Imogene will be held at 10 A.M., Monday, September 14, 2026, in Rock Prairie Cemetery, Madisonville, Texas. Bro. Matt Carey will officiate the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that memorial contributions be made in Imogene's memory to First Baptist Church of Madisonville, at 300 S. Elm Street, Madisonville, Texas 77864.

Arrangements are under the direction of Madisonville Funeral Home, Madisonville, Texas -- A Walters Family Funeral Home.