Helen Dunn Obituary

With a spirit as vibrant as the reggae music she loved, Helen Ruth Dunn, affectionately known as Nijeri, danced her way into the hearts of those who had the pleasure of knowing her. Born on March 2, 1956, in Houston, Texas, Helen was a spirited, resilient woman who lived her life with a courageous tenacity that was truly inspiring. A creative soul, she was known for her love of good food, music, and travel, and was a proud champion of her black culture. As Maya Angelou said, "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." Helen lived her life in such a way that she left us all with many breathtaking moments to cherish.
Helen was a force of nature, a woman who was strong and independent, who radiated a warmth and love that was truly infectious. She took great pride in her career as an Accounting Specialist, proving herself to be excellent at her work at the UT Co-op in Austin, Texas. But perhaps her greatest joy was spending time with her beloved grandchildren. As Albert Einstein said, "The only thing you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library." Helen knew the location of her heart, and it was firmly rooted in her family.
Even though the married ended, Helen remained resilient, proving that life is not about what happens to us, but how we respond. She leaves behind a legacy of love and resilience with her daughters Tory Dunn and Ranee Madison, who will continue to honor her spirit. Her four grandchildren Ashonti Madison, Kionte Blakemore, Timmion Parker, and Mario Perry Jr. who created a new type of love in her life and her five great grand children. She now joins her dad JD Hutchingson, brothers and sisters Billy Wiley, Joelle Jones Hampton, Conway Wiley, and Dorthy Parker who preceded her in death. As Helen Keller said, "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart." Helen's love is something that will be forever felt in the hearts of her loved ones.
A memorial service in honor of Helen will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 11:00am CDT at King-Tears Mortuary, 1300 East 12th Street, Austin, Texas, 78702. We invite you to come and celebrate the life of this remarkable woman. We encourage everyone to share your favorite memories of Helen and upload photos to the memorial page. She touched so many lives, and we look forward to seeing the impact she had through your shared stories and pictures.