Helen , beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 78 on September 5, 2024, in her hometown of Prentiss , MS, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on October 28, 1953, to William and Eleanor Lucas , Helen grew up in a close-knit family where she learned the values of kindness, compassion, and hard work. She was a proud graduate of Northwestern University, where she earned a degree in education. Helen dedicated her life to teaching and nurturing young minds as an elementary school teacher in the Jefferson Davis Public Schools for over 35 years.

Helen had an extraordinary ability to connect with children, fostering a love for learning that shaped the lives of thousands of students. Her classroom was a place of creativity, laughter, and encouragement, and her impact was felt long after her students moved on. She received numerous awards throughout her career, including Teacher of the Year in 1995, a testament to her commitment to education.

Outside the classroom, Helen was known for her love of gardening and her beautiful flower beds, which brought joy to all who passed by her home. She was also an active member of the Lucas Church of Holiness community, where she volunteered her time with the outreach program, helping those in need. Her unwavering faith and dedication to service were an inspiration to everyone who knew her.

Helen is survived by her three children, Jennifer Owens (Michael), Andrew Price (Rebecca), and Heather Steele (Roja); her six grandchildren, Olivia, Jack, Ethan, Delecia, Rajanece, and Hannah; and her sister, Patricia O’Hara. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Michael Lucas.

A funeral mass will be held in Helen’s honor on Friday, October 18, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Lucas Church of Holiness , Prentiss , MS. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to a reception at the church hall immediately after the service.