Helen Joyce Craine (Akins)

Services for Helen Joyce Akins Craine, 84, of Dallas, are scheduled for 12 p.m., Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Roundflat Pentecostal Church, with Bro. Homer Morgan, Bro. Eddie Paul Stanley, and Pastor Lonnie Goodwin officiating, under the direction of Bartley Funeral Home, Grand Saline.

Interment will follow in Smyrna Cemetery, Emory.

Helen Joyce Akins Craine, 84, of Dallas, Texas, entered her heavenly home on September 21, 2026. She was born on March 6, 1942, in Emory, Rains County, Texas, to William Luther and Birdie Mae Monk Akins.

Helen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ailton Craine; Stillborn Baby Robinson; her parents; five brothers, William Akins, Raymond Akins, Delbert Akins, W.L. Akins and Edward Akins; and her sister, Dorothy Latham.

Survivors include her son, Sammy Mack Robinson and wife Sandra of Dallas; daughter Sheila Lambeth and husband Randy of Scurry; step-son Stacy Craine and wife Terri of Kaufman; eight grandchildren, Bradley Robinson and wife Jennifer, Amy Higginbotham and husband Brad, Rachel Lambeth, Tonya Kresta and husband Kyle, Kaleb Lambeth and wife Julie, Mackenzie Alphin and husband Travis, Grayson Craine and wife Dylan, and Luke Craine; Eleven great grandchildren; and numerous other relatives and friends.

Helen loved her family and friends dearly. She was the aunt everyone loved, always bringing laughter and joy to family gatherings. She especially looked forward to the yearly family reunion, where she could love on everyone, share plenty of laughs, and, of course, beat you at 42. You could almost guarantee that if she went 84, she was holding that one blank in her hand as her off. To her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she was the fun grandmother—playful, loving, and always ready to aggravate you just enough to make you laugh. Her sense of humor, loving nature, and the special way she enjoyed teasing those closest to her created memories that her family will treasure forever.

Helen will be remembered for the love she gave so freely, the laughter she brought into the lives of others, and the special bond she shared with her family and friends. Her playful spirit, loving heart, and unforgettable personality will live on through the many wonderful memories she leaves behind. She was deeply loved and will be greatly missed, but the laughter, love, and memories she gave her family will remain in their hearts forever.

Pallbearers will be Christian Mack Robinson, Kaleb Lambeth, Kaden Kresta, Kyle Kresta, Braden Higginbotham, and Luke Craine.

Honorary pallbearers will be Bradley Robinson and Brad Higginbotham.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m., Friday, at Bartely Funeral Home.