Helen Louise Hembd

Helen Louise Friend Hembd, 70, of Orange, Texas, passed away on October 6, 2025, at Baptist Hospital in Beaumont. 

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 11, 2025, at First Church of Orange. Officiating will be Brother David Wheeler. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Orange. 

Visitation will begin prior to the service at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 11, 2025, at First Church of Orange. 

Born in Bellingham, Washington, on August 26, 1955, she was the daughter of Lloyd Nelson LaGrone and Martha Pauline Werner (Cofty). For many years she served as an EMT for Orange County Ambulance Service and Eastex EMS. Helen was not only an essential worker but also a beloved figure in her family. Known affectionately as Grammy, she created countless cherished memories with her grandkids. Her home was filled with love, laughter, and the delightful aromas of her wonderful cooking. Helen battled health issues for many years, but she showed great resilience, and her love for family and friends never wavered, neither did her love for the lord. In her leisure time, Helen enjoyed a variety of hobbies including crafting, making jewelry, cross stitching, crocheting, seamstress work, and diamond painting. These interests reflected her creativity and her ability to find joy in the simple things in life. Helen was a proud member of the First Church of Orange, where she formed deep connections with her church family. Helen will be remembered for her gentle spirit, endless kindness, and the love shared with everyone around her. Her legacy will live on through the memories and hearts of family and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd LaGrone and Martha Pauline Werner. Brother, Wayne LaGrone Brother.

She is survived by her loving husband, David Hembd; daughters, Heather Smith and husband Joey, Mallory Rose and husband Robert; sons, Allen Friend and wife Heather, Jonathan Friend and wife Taylor. Grandchildren: Trey Duke, Jesse Duke, Ella Friend, Eden Friend, Ava Friend, Audrey Friend, Nathan Friend, Fiona Maunder, and Rhylin Rose. Surviving Siblings: Joe LaGrone and wife Dorris, Jimmie LaGrone and wife Sarah. Brenda Turner and husband Dwight, and Cathy Werner. Don Friend (deceased husband) his children, family: Ronnie Friend and wife Michelle(4 Grandchildren), Tammy Friend Spore(2 Grandchildren), Holly Friend DeRouin (5 Grandchildren). 

Special thanks to her longtime friend Cathy Rush and her caregiver Tabitha LeBlanc via Primary Care Anywhere and Accent Care. 

Serving as pallbearers will be Chris Wolfford, Tyler Turner, Josh Turner, Tim Dowden, Leonard Herrera, David Sharkey, Eric Sharkey, Kevin LaGrone, and Trey Duke.