Helen B. Slay, 87, of Clinton, MS was called to join her Lord and Savior Monday, October 31, 2016. Born in Piggott, AR, she has also resided in Vicksburg and Port Gibson, MS; and in Port Charlotte, FL.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Loyal O. and Ethyl Duley Braden; her husband, Glyn Stevens Slay Sr.; her son, C.E. (Buddy) Blackmon; sisters, Jo Ann Fisher, Alma Fitzgerald and Faye Tagmeyer; brothers, Kenneth and James Braden; and step-grandson, Cary Gibson.
Helen is survived by her son, Ronald David Blackmon (Connie); daughter, Elizabeth Anne DeRouen; step-son, Glyn S. Slay, Jr (Kim); grandchildren, Helen Mallory Berg, Churi Dacus, Elizabeth Kate Blackmon and Eric Henry DeRouen; sister, Nila Banfield; brother, Randall Braden; great-grandchildren, Avery and Addison Berg, and Eli Edward Babb; step-daughters, Michele Roberts (Bryan) and Anastasia Byrd(Dustin); and many nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Slay was a long-time member of First Baptist Church. At FBC Clinton she was very active in the Joy Maker's Senior Adult Choir, Ukulele Ensemble, and Forever Young Senior Adult Group. She particularly loved being a part of the Joy Maker's and served in various supporting roles in each of those ministries.
Helen attended Arkansas State College where she was voted "Most Likely to Succeed" her junior year. She worked as a professional photographer following her college years and enjoyed playing YMCA league basketball and softball into her late 30's. Helen took great pleasure in time spent in her career as museum curator where she, along with her husband, Glyn, worked as managers of Grand Gulf Military State Park. She and Glyn shared many happy years together, hunting and fishing with family and friends at their hunting camp in Grand Gulf.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, November 18, 2016, in the Chapel at First Baptist Church Clinton. The pastor, Dr. David Eldridge, will be officiating.
Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 100 E. College Street, Clinton, MS 39056.