Helen Louise Holifield

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Mrs. Helen Louise Holifield, 97, of Blytheville passed from this life Saturday, March 15, 2014, at her daughter's home in Blytheville. Born in Friendship, Tenn., to Jasper D. and Irene Hopper Alley, she was a resident of Blytheville and also lived many years in Paragould.

Helen was the oldest living member of the Gospel Lighthouse Church. She was a faithful member and was very active in her church over the years. She was a member of the Women of Excellence and the Joy (Just Older Youth) Group and volunteered for most of the activities and special projects for as long as she was able. She enjoyed the many trips and activities of the Joy Group and always looked forward to what adventure was around the corner.

Her spiritual life carried over to her everyday affairs. She loved helping those who were less fortunate or just needed a kind word. She loved to watch sports, especially when it was a Lou Holtz team ... and most especially Notre Dame. Although she had no idea what the teams were doing, she loved to watch the action of the event. She also enjoyed watching political shows and the daily news and kept up with the current affairs of our government.

More than anything, she loved her family. The time she spent with them was precious, especially with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her family was her life and she taught them by example. Her faith in God was her rock from which she never wavered.

In addition to her parents and siblings, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Chester Ray Holifield; a son, Army Major Jimmy Holifield (Holderfield); and a daughter, Helen Marie Watts;

Helen is survived by her family, Chester Dewayne and Penny Holifield of Memphis; Dean Hartwick and Lucy Taylor of Blytheville; Glenda and Frank Jones of Suffolk, Virginia; Joe and Sue Holifield of Paragould;

A son-in-law, Bud Watts, of Bay;

A sister-in-law, Charlene Holifield of Blytheville;

Her sister, Inez Green of Chicago;

Fourteen grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren, and one precious great-great-grandbaby on the way; and

Many nieces and nephews.

She also leaves her very special friends Carolyn and Wayne O'Millian.

The family is very grateful for Dr. Dennis Parten and Carolyn and Debbie of his staff, and for Amy Sullins and Denise Hatcher of the Mississippi County In Home Services for the devoted care given to her.

Funeral Services were held at 3 p.m. Monday, March 17, 2014, in the Cobb Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. David Craig officiating. Burial followed in Elmwood Cemetery. The family received friends from 2 p.m. until service time Monday afternoon. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.cobbfuneralhome.com