Helen Dean Henderson Mears, born in Tuscumbia, Alabama on October 18, 1932, passed away Wednesday evening Wednesday, October 23, 2024, while surrounded by her family. Helen grew up in Alabama, later moving to Saltillo with her family. She graduated from Saltillo High School and continued her education at Blue Mountain Christian University, where she pursued a degree in education. On December 21, 1952, she married Billy Tanner Mears. For nearly 72 years, they lived in marital bliss, sharing a beautiful life. Helen traveled the world with her husband while he served in the United States Air Force for 21 years. She was an English teacher and a Middle School principal throughout her 30 years in public education, leaving her fingerprints on countless children within the community. Upon retirement, Helen volunteered at Tupelo Good Samaritans Free Clinic and Lee County Library for many years. Helen didn’t just teach students academically throughout her lifetime, she was also a devout Bible school teacher that strived to lead all children to Christ. She was a dedicated member within her church community, where she was widely known for her talents as an organist along with her Bible school teachings. Her artistry as an organist followed her everywhere she went, even while traveling with her husband in the military, resulting in over 70 years of organ playing. Helen was a proud servant of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and lived a life in hope that others would see His goodness through her each and every day. Helen was an astounding matriarch; she was the regal leader of our family in more ways than imaginable. She was always a present part of our everyday lives, ensuring that all of her loved ones were taken care of. It is impossible to put into words how much Helen meant to her friends and family. She was a true testament to what living a life full of love, grace, and kindness truly means.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents, J.S. and Pearl Henderson, as well as her brother, Douglas Henderson.
She is survived by her husband, Billy Tanner Mears, and her two children, Tony Mears (Allison), and Marilee Jaggars (Kevin). She was a loving grandmother to six grandchildren: Dixilee Frassetto (Mike), Katlin Connell (Douglass), Annalee Jaggars (Fiancé Michael Munn), Karoline Smith (Logan), Abigail Mears, and Tanner Mears (Macy). She was blessed with three great-grandchildren: Emmalee Frassetto, Lucas Frassetto, and Tanner Smith; and a host of nieces and nephews.
The family would like to personally thank her special caregiver, Melanie Green. The family also expresses their thank you to Kristie Hughes, Right at Home, and Sanctuary Hospice of Tupelo for their instrumental help in caring for Helen throughout the ending stages of her life. The family is forever grateful for the love and care that was shown to Helen during this time.
Visitation will be 4 until 6 p.m. Friday, October 25, 2024, at Faith Baptist Church in Saltillo.
Services honoring her life will be 11 a.m. Saturday, October 26, 2024, at Faith Baptist Church in Saltillo with Dr. Phil Ellis and Dr. Ken Anderson officiating. A private graveside service will follow at Saltillo Cemetery. Pegues Funeral Director’s is in charge of the arrangements.
Pallbearers will be Neal Peach, Jimmy Peach, Bob Branyan, Tanner Mears, Mike Frassetto, and Douglass Connell.
Memorials may be made in her memory to Sanctuary Hospice House.
