Helen Camille Horn Lea was born to Georgia Louanna Hayes and Algernon Sydney Horn on June 23, 1914. She grew up in Gainesville, Texas where she studied piano and performed as church organist during her high school years. In college, Helen continued to embrace music, graduating with a Bachelor of Music Degree from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. After college, Helen shared her love of music with children and taught school music classes in Longview. Longview proved to be a fortunate location as Helen met Preston J. Lea Jr. while he worked in the East Texas oil fields for Hughes Tool Co. Helen and Preston nurtured their relationship despite increasing geographic distance between them. Helen taught in Corpus Christi while Preston worked in New York for Hughes Tool Co's export office. Just over two years later, Preston Lea married Helen Horn in Christ Church Christian a Hundred Episcopal in Wilmington, Delaware. The newlyweds spent their first year in New York before moving to Midland, Texas.

Preston and Helen quickly made Midland their home as Preston departed Hughes Tool for the Crane County Lea Ranch as an independent oil operator while Helen made a home for their three children Jerry, Brett, and Lida. Despite a busy domestic schedule, Helen again found time to serve as both organist and choir director for the Midland Church of the Holy Trinity in addition to a number of community activities. Notable contributions include serving as president for the Midland Symphony League, founding member and first chairman of the Children's Symphony Concerts, and co-founder for the American Organists Guild in Midland. In addition to music and the arts, Helen continued her efforts as an educator. In Midland, she helped found the Midland Society of University Women and supported Preston as he served on the board of the Trinity Episcopal School. Helen also served as president in the Midland Chapter of the DAR.

After Preston's death in 1969 and her children later moving away from Midland, Helen moved to Austin in 1980. While in Austin, she was a founding member of the Friends of the Huntington Museum, now the Blanton, and active with the Austin Symphony Arbor Series. Helen also served on the board of Austin's downtown Capitol City Play House. She would remain close to the Austin arts community for the rest of her life as both patron and friend of numerous local artists. Helen also used this time to indulge her other passion - gourmet cooking. For more than 15 years, Helen invited friends and local chefs to share her kitchen for cooking lessons, food, and fun. These informal classes grew so popular she managed a wait list for interested participants. Truly, Helen's kitchen offered a unique experience for friends and family. She is survived by her three children; sons and daughters-in-law Jerry and Margie Lea; Brett and Susanna Lea; daughter Lida Lea; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Preston, brother Sidney Horn, and grandchildren Shannon and Sam Lea. A memorial service was held at First Evangelical Free Church Tuesday on August 18, 2009. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Long Center for Performing Arts, Austin Museum of Art Laguna Gloria, or memorial of choice.
From the Midland Reporter-Telegram, August 17, 2009.