Mrs. Helen Parnell's Obituary
On October 3, 1928, God blessed Mr. Eugene “Buddy” Price and Ms. Rilla Brown with a precious daughter, Helen Brown. Born as the oldest daughter, she had very little formal education. However, much of her time was spent learning to take care of the home and her siblings- a task that proved to serve her well. At an early age, she professed her faith in Jesus Christ and joined the Poplar Springs Missionary Baptist Church. She attended services faithfully until her health failed, but remained a member until death.
As a wife, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt, she spent most of her life as a caregiver, teacher and way-maker. She selflessly cared for her loved ones unconditionally and always had an open heart, ear and home to those in need. During her spare time, she enjoyed watching television, knitting and cross-stitching.
In her late 80’s, she began suffering health problems and became home bound. On November 29, 2017, the Angels rejoiced as God quietly called her home from North Pointe Health and Rehab in Meridian, MS. She was preceded in death by two husbands- Dick Matthews and Private Willie Lee Parnell; two sons- Levelle Brown and Ollie Lee Brown; five brothers- L.T. Price, Willie C. Price, Leo Brown, O.W. Brown; one sister- Lena Brown.
She leaves to heroism her beautiful memory: two daughters- Cathleen (Richard) Ruffin of Meehan, MS and Diane Matthews of Toomsuba, MS; three sons- Willie James (Allie) Matthews, Willie C. Matthews and Andy Matthews, all of Meehan, MS; five granddaughters- Gloria Jean (Antwoine) Harris of York, AL, Adrienne Ruffin of Meehan, Ms, LaLyendia (Courtney) Hardaway of Newton, MS, LaSaundra Roberts and Kimberly Matthews of Meridian, MS; six grandsons- Tony (Amy) Brown, Richard Ruffin Jr. and Michael Matthews of Meehan, MS, Marcus Davis of Meridian, MS, Kevin Matthews of Nashville, TN; one sister- Idell Matthews; two brothers- Luke Brown of Hattiesburg, MS and Malcolm Brown of Jasper, FL; twenty-one great-grandchildren and a host of great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
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Share a story where Helen's kindness touched your heart.
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