Iva Helen Phillips Grissom Wood, at the ripe old age of 98, transformed to eternal life from the Gregory Green House at United Methodist Senior Services in the early hours of Tuesday morning, Nov. 28, 2023. Helen was born in Union County on July 18, 1925 to the late Thomas Caradine Phillips and Bonnie Green Phillips and lived there until age 13 when her family relocated to Baldwyn. She finished at Baldwyn High School where she met and married the dashing Paul Grissom. He became the Lee County Circuit Clerk and served many years before his untimely death. Helen served as Circuit Clerk for Lee County for 2 years to finish out his term. A feisty, independent and loving soul, Helen never met a stranger and was the “queen bee” of socializing. Always dressing to the 9s, Helen didn’t even dare go to the mailbox without her make-up being just right. She worked for over 20 years in demonstration sales, served 10 years as manager of United Stamp Company, and spent five years with Blue Cross. Helen loved to read, work word puzzles, and watch Soap operas on TV. A member of the First Baptist Church of Okolona since 1975 after her marriage to Tom Wood, she enjoyed worship, singing in the choir and was a regular fitness lady going to the gym at least three times per week.
A service celebrating Helen’s life will be held at 2 PM, Monday, Dec. 4, 2023, in the Sadie Holland Memorial Chapel at Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo with Rev. Dr. Randy Lewman officiating. Private burial will follow in Lee Memorial Park. Visitation will be from Noon-service time on Monday only at the funeral home.
Survivors include Helen’s two daughters, Paula Grissom Anglin, and Shelia Grissom Wheeler (Michael) all of Tupelo; 3 grandchildren, Scott Jones (Lorie), Allison McGregor (Collin), and Brandon Anglin; 5 great-grandchildren, Benjamin Jones (Adrian), Anna Claire Anglin, Trey, Riley, and Molly Kate Covington, and Henley McGregor; 4 stepdaughters, Cathy Pannell (Vic) of Little Rock, AR, Linda Smith (Dr. Don Smith) of Tupelo, Sarah Flake (Travis) of Hamilton, and Margaret Callahan (John) of Pontotoc with 7 grandchildren, Kevin Thornton, Lauren Smith, Lisa Phillips, Carl Breedlove, Jimmy Flake, Mary Margaret Callahan and April Callahan; 15 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren; all of Tom’s family whom she loved. She was preceded in death by her husband and father of her daughters, Paula and Shelia, Paul Grissom, who died in 1965, and Thomas Wood in 2019; and son-in-law, Clyde Anglin.
Pallbearers will be Scotty Jones, Collin McGregor, Brandon Anglin, Ben Jones, David Riley, and Kevin Thornton.
Memorials may be sent to United Methodist Senior Services, 2800 West Main Street, Tupelo, MS 38801.
