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Helen Joyce Hix passed away peacefully on December 14, 2025. Born in Nashville, Tennessee, on July 8, 1937, she was the youngest child of Henry and Lula Mae Wilson.
Growing up in East Nashville during the Great Depression and World War II, Helen and her family lived modestly, but they never went without. She graduated from East Nashville High School in 1955 and following in her father's footsteps, attended Middle Tennessee State College in Murfreesboro.
While in college, Helen met Billy Hix, graduate student and star football lineman, who stole her heart. After getting her father's permission to marry, they eloped to Ringgold Georgia and were married in 1956. Their partnership was the foundation of a life filled with adventure, service, and devotion.
After their marriage, Helen worked briefly in Nashville while Billy served overseas with the CIA's U-2 program. Not long after that, Helen also began a distinguished career with the CIA, first as a radio operator and administrative officer in Key West, then with Billy as "covered employees" in a special activity, and later as an administrative and logistics officer both at Langley and overseas. Intelligent, resourceful, professional, and, when necessary, tough, Helen was known for her ability to make things happen; her contributions were repeatedly recognized for exceptional and meritorious service.