Helen M. Thompson

Helen McKee Thompson, 91, went to be with the Lord on December 13, 2016. She called Jackson her home for almost 70 years. Helen was a graduate of Central High School in Jackson, and attended Mississippi State University, where she met and married the love of her life, Billy Jim Thompson. She committed her life to loving her husband and family, and modeled what it meant to be a Godly wife and mother. Her gentle, accepting and tender nature was a constant.

Helen had the gift of hospitality and loved serving others. She was an elegant and gracious lady, whether baking in the kitchen, watching her grandson’s baseball games or vacationing with her family at Hilton Head. For many years she enjoyed an annual tradition of baking Christmas candies with dear friend Cherry Fyke. Helen loved antiques, and their beautiful home was a reflection of that love, trips to antiques shows and her lifelong treasured friendship with Aleene Walters.

Helen was a faithful member of Broadmoor Baptist Church, and later First Baptist Church in Jackson. Her servant’s heart was evident to all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her devoted husband Billy Jim Thompson, to whom she was married for 67 years. Helen is survived by her son Tommy, his wife Sally; her daughters Anne Thompson, and Jane Barnes, and her husband Jim; her son David, and his wife Susan; and grandchildren Scott Thompson, Kelly Thompson, Brett Thompson, David Barnes, Beth Barnes Winterburn, Brad Barnes, Kate Thompson Feucht, Anna Thompson and Maggie Thompson, and six great-grandchildren.

The family would like to extend its deepest thanks to those who so lovingly cared for her in her last years. To Linda Gardner- her loving, constant caregiver, and her husband Elijah, and to her wonderful and faithful caregivers- Ella Aldridge, Kelia Brown, Jeanette Cavett, Ethel Frazier, Karen Grimes, Ruth Hill, Marie Holmes, Erica Owens, Barbara Rembert, Barbara Robinson, Deborah Taylor, Maple Washington and Peggy Wilson. Many thanks to family friend Mike Malone, and to watchful and caring neighbor Glen Wooten.

Helen enjoyed a treasured relationship with her beloved Essie Lee Calvin, who adored every family member and their friends. They spent many days in the kitchen, cooking her famous rolls and black bottom pie.

An especially deep gratitude is owed to her physician Dr. Mark Meeks. His unfailing attentiveness and care allowed Helen- and Billy- to remain in their homes until their last days. No burden was too great, no need unmet- and no words can fully convey our family’s gratitude.

A private burial service will be held at Parkway Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be 11:00 am-12:00 pm on Saturday December 17, 2016 at First Baptist Church of Jackson, followed by a service in the Chapel 12:00 pm.

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