Helen was born in Reedville, Arkansas to the late Esau and Bobbie Pickett. She was married to Rollie Calvin McCruel who preceded her in death on August 3, 1998. To this union were born two children; Leslie McCruel, Valerie McCruel and a bonus daughter, Alise McCruel Smith.
Helen was an educator for over 40 years. She began her teaching career in Reedville, Arkansas. She later moved to Little Rock, Arkansas where she then taught at J.C. Cook and Pulaski County Special School District from which she retired. She was passionate about the importance of education. She felt it was important to instill in young people the values of respect, pride and integrity. Mrs. McCruel garnered multiple recognitions and awards as a result of her years of service teaching school. She was a member of the Arkansas Teachers Association.
Helen earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from AM&N College of Pine Bluff, Arkansas (currently known as the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff) in 1960. She later earned her Masters Degree in 1977 from Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas.
Helen accepted Christ at an early age at St. John Baptist Church in Reedville, Arkansas. She later moved to Dumas, Arkansas where she became a member at St. Peter Rock Baptist Church in Dumas. Helen and her husband moved to Little Rock, Arkansas where they joined St. John Missionary Baptist Church. There, she served as a Sunday School Teacher, Youth Department leader, Deaconess, Mission Society, and Servant Leader of the Senior Citizen Mission Group. Helen later joined New Life Christian Fellowship where she started the Women’s Mission and served on the Board of Directors and the Mother’s Board. From there and until her passing, she joined the First Baptist Church Highland Park where she was a member of the Mildred Haynes Missionary Society, as well as Sunday School.
Helen’s favorite hobbies consisted of working out at the Jim Daily Fitness Center. She started her daily fitness program in 1992 and ended in March of 2020. She loved traveling the world with her daughter and friends. Helen was blessed to have traveled all 50 states and various countries during her travels.
Helen leaves to cherish her memories her loving and dedicated children Leslie McCruel and Valerie McCruel; bonus daughter Alise McCruel Smith; Goddaughter Shayla Young; and God granddaughter Skylar Young; siblings: brothers, Taylor Pickett (Geneva); Joe Pickett (Charisse); Esau Pickett, Jr. (Wilma); Isaiah Pickett; Willie Pickett; O’dell Pickett; sister, Verlee Pickett Bolton (Hannibal); a dear special friend in Willie Mae Hollinshed Washington, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends.
The celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, March 25, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church Highland Park, 1701 S. Pine Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72204. Funeral services are entrusted to Griffin Leggett Rest Hills Funeral Home.
