Lieb, Helen, 1921-2006

Helen Maydene Sanders was born January 8, 1921 in Lubbock, TX. Helen moved with her parents Lonnie and Ercel Sanders and sister Laverne from Lubbock to Albany in 1936. She graduated from Albany High School in 1938 and was in the cast of the fist Fort Griffin Fandangle performance and participated in many other Fandangle performances over the years. She married Fredrick Gaither Lieb on December 21, 1941. Gaither as he was known went to Hardin-Simmons University and served overseas in World War II. Helen contributed to the war effort by working at the Stamford Flying School in Stamford, TX. Helen was a well-respected businesswoman long before women were accepted in business leadership roles. As an owner of the Albany Abstract Company and then the Shackelford County Abstract Company, she worked in the title business for almost 60 years, retiring in 2002. Outside the office, Helen was well known for her community involvement. She was a member of the First Christian Church in Albany. Helen was a past president of the Albany Ex-Student Association. She was a 50 year member of the Easter Star, Chapter 733, and served as Worthy Matron. She was a member of the Robert Nail Scholarship board of directors for 39 years and was one of its past presidents. She was a member of the Albany Chamber of Commerce's Board of Directors for over 25 years and served as its president from 1974-1976, the only female president in the history of the organization. She was a long time member of the Shackelford County Historical Committee and was a docent at the Old Jail Art Center for 24 years.