Helen Jean Scruggs

Helen Jean Scruggs was born on April 4, 1953, in Chulahoma, Mississippi to the late Marcus “Bud” Scruggs and Emma Jean Shaw Scruggs.

Helen professed a hope in Christ at an early age and joined Greenfield Presbyterian Church in Waterford, MS, where she served as Elder under the late Rev. Don Wilson. She later joined First Presbyterian Church of Oxford, Mississippi where she was a member of the Carol Barr and Gerry Duvall Circles and Presbyterian Women. She remained a faithful member until her death.

In 1955, her mother married the late John Wesley Curry, Sr., and Helen was blessed with a dad, whom she lovingly referred to as “her father.” From a very young age, Helen had to mature and became the big sister and matriarch figure to her five sisters and two brothers. She was the “go to” for her siblings and was always a free-hearted giver.

She was a 1971 graduate of Potts Camp High School in Potts Camp, Mississippi.  She furthered her education by enrolling in Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in May 1975. Later, she continued her education at the University of Mississippi and received her Master of Education- History in May 1993, Master of Education-English in May 1995, and Master of Arts in December 1998.

In 1976, Helen began dating her lifelong friend, Creed James Walker and to this union, one daughter, Creedianiah, was born. Despite the age difference, Helen and Creed enjoyed each other’s company as they spent time outdoors hunting, fishing, and coon hunting.

Determination and perseverance were traits that Helen exhibited early in her life and were exuded as she worked at Plywood and Emerson Electric, both in Oxford, MS, to fund her college education. Her true passions were teaching and mentoring, and the power of knowledge and education were instilled in her from her father at a young age. Helen gained employment with the Shelby County School System in Memphis, Tennessee where she taught and mentored her students for more than 20 years. Her passion for education and learning were passed on to her daughter and any children that she met. Helen firmly believed in taking opportunities to make anything a learning experience.

In addition to working for Shelby County Schools, Helen also worked as a Coordinator for the Program of Academic Exchange (PAX), a program for connecting foreign exchange students to families in the United States. Not only did she cherish this position, she, along with her sister, Thelma, began hosting students in their home in 1995.

Despite her busy work schedules, 160 mile per day commutes, and volunteer activities, Helen never missed any of her daughter’s sporting events or extracurricular activities. Being a mother was her most prized accomplishment.

When she wasn’t working, Helen enjoyed traveling, gardening, working with her hands, and sharing her knowledge with anyone willing to listen. She was committed to serving and helping others. She spent countless hours volunteering for the Oxford Food Pantry and working on Habitat for Humanity projects. She also practiced her mission work abroad in Haiti, Belize, Cameroon, Mexico, amongst many others.

On Monday, March 14, 2022, Helen passed away at home with her loving daughter and sisters by her side.

She leaves to cherish her memories a daughter; Creedianiah Curry Walker of Oxford MS, sisters; Thelma Curry and Clara Austin of Oxford MS, Nancy (Neal) Dillard of Potts Camp MS, Belinda Curry of Louisville KY, Nancy Lewis of Little Rock AR, Dorothy (Robert) Cox of Chulahoma MS, Marie Scruggs of Olive Branch MS, and Annie Richards of Memphis TN, brothers; John (Penny) Curry, Jr. of Holly Springs MS, Leslie (Toni) Curry of Memphis TN, James Scruggs and Marcus Scruggs, Jr. of Chulahoma MS, grandnieces; Kaitlyn Curry, Paris Curry, and Kaley Earl, grandnephew; Wesley Curry, great nephews, Gabe Scruggs and Nick Scruggs; great niece, Chrystian Scruggs; god grandchildren; Ja’Kaleb Ivy, Jaycee Ivy, Riley Tyler, Micah Tyler, Reem Arar, Khaleesi Helm, and Karsyn Brown; bonus children, Frances Sullivan-Gonzalez, Jasmine (DeAshley) Ivy, and DeMarcus Helm; sister-in-law; Lissie Shaw of Aurora IL, auntie; Vera (Robert) Nunnally of Chicago IL; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Helen was preceded in death by two brothers; Terry Shaw and Sammie Scruggs and a sister; Miranda Curry.

**In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Oxford Food Pantry.