Helen Smith, 97
August 26, 1926 – September 23, 2023
TUPELO – After a long life of 97 years filled with adventure and purpose, Helen Laverne Nichols Smith died Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023. Born August 26, 1926 into the pioneer Nichols and Wester families of the Furrs Community in Pontotoc County, she was the daughter of the late Charles D. “CD” Nichols and Modena Pearl Wester Nichols. She graduated from Tupelo High School, where she excelled, in 1945 as World War II was ending. Helen always revered her time spent in Pontotoc and Lee Counties. Always on the cutting edge, she was an industrious and intelligent lady. She noted her career was that of a property manager particularly in stints of living in Memphis and Miami. She lived awhile in Huntsville where she was employed by Halsey Grocery Company. As she returned home, she worked 13 years for the elder Dr. Tom Wesson at Wesson Eye Clinic. Helen was a member of Monument Drive Baptist Church, loved to sew and read good books, and spend time with friends. But her great love in life was her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren — they lovingly referred to her as “Ole MaMaw.” She was the widow of James W. “Jim” Smith who died in 2011.
A service celebrating her long life will be held at 2 PM Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, from the Sadie Holland Memorial Chapel at Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo with her pastor, Bro. Tim Roaten, officiating. Private burial will follow in the Nichols family plot at White Zion Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 PM-service time on Thursday at the funeral home. For those unable to attend, the service may be viewed at www.hollandfuneraldirectors.com/Live-streaming at 2 PM, where it will be archived.
Helen is survived by her daughters, Pat Ray and husband, Eddie of Water Valley, and Nancy Fulton of Tupelo; her grandchildren, Nancy Margaret Adler (Andy), Robert Lee Fulton, and Shawn Aaron (Tatum); her great-grandchildren, Anna Arron Ray, Mary Arthur, Anna Charles Adler, Bailey Fulton, Ryder Fulton and Remi Fulton; cousins, Anita Wade, Glenn Fowler (Charlotte), and Billy Malone (Betty), and many friends whom she enjoyed throughout her life. She was preceded in death by her parents, CD and Modena; her husband, Jim Smith; a son, Chuck Aron; and a sister, Ann Fowler.
The family asks that memorials in her memory be made to one of her favorite charities, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
