of England, AR
June 25, 1926 - December 21, 2021
Helen Bess Ross Braswell was born in England, Arkansas, in June, 1926, and died there December 21, 2021, after having lived a most wonderful life enveloped by a community of friends and family who loved her and were loved by her.
She was preceded in death by her parents Tom and Ada Bess Ross, her brother J.T. Ross, and her husband George.
Growing up in England was fun and appeared idyllic to her in spite of the Great Depression and World War II that started while she was in high school. She was a bright student who enjoyed the band, cheerleading, her friends and being outdoors as much as possible. She graduated from England HS in 1944 and from Arkansas State Teachers College in 1948. She moved to Bearden for "practice teaching" and, following graduation, taught Home Economics there where she met and married George, her husband of 53+ years, in 1949. They lived then in Kingsland, North Little Rock, Louisiana and Mississippi before returning to England in 1958 to live out their lives. She taught first and second graders in England for the next 28 years, retiring in 1986. She and George then had many wonderful years of retirement spent mostly traveling around the US with their travel trailer and their RV friends.
She was a member of England First Methodist Church for about 63 years and was active in Circle Two there. She enjoyed tending her flower beds, feeding her hummingbirds, pulling weeds and raking the leaves from her yard. She was a master cook and was referred to as "Miss Home-Ec" by many who enjoyed her fantastic meals. She enjoyed her walks with George, playing with her kids and grandkids, her years of church work, going fishing and she always planned to someday learn to play golf... maybe she will? She was cute. She was fun.
She is survived by her children: Becky (Buddy) Jones and Tommy (Sharon) Braswell; grandchildren Jayson (Jennifer) Jones, Robyn (Cecil) Clark, Leah (Erica) Braswell, Hunter (Courtney) Norton and Winfrey Norton; and her great grandchildren: Ali, Preston, Harper and Emma Jones, Landry Clark, Ross and Reid Braswell, and Lawson and Nash Norton; plus many loving nieces and nephews.
Her family appreciates the special caregivers at Cavalier Nursing Home in England during her last 3+ years of life and for Sherri Rushing who provided several years of in-home assistance prior to her entering the nursing home. They also appreciate Dr. Brad Baltz for his treatment which added many years to her life following a diagnosis of cancer in 2001.
Helen Bess' life will be celebrated in a service at England First Methodist Church at 2:00 PM on Sunday, December 26, with a reception in the Fellowship Hall following the service. All are invited and the wearing of masks while indoors is expected. The family asks that in lieu of flowers memorials be made to the First Methodist Church, 200 NE 2nd St, England, AR 72046, or a charity of your choice.
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11 Condolence(s)
Elaine Taylor Riggins
Friday, December 31, 2021
To know her was a privilege. To be with her was always fun. I will always remember her laugh and that look she gave me to share a joke and a laugh. I remember seeing her wading in cold water at Table Rock and fly fishing. I always wanted to learn to fly fish and always had her in my mind when I thought of it. I will always think of her with a smile. She left an impression on me that will always be with me. My condolences and love go out to her family. I know what it is to lose a good mother.
Lynn Ward
Monday, December 27, 2021
So sorry to hear of Mrs. Braswell’s passing. She was a very close and dear friend of my sister, Tommie Hale. I’m sure they are forming a Red Hat Club at Heaven’s Gate. May The Lord bless and keep you.
Nancy Doshier
Sunday, December 26, 2021
I'm so sorry to hear about Mrs. Braswell. She was a very special person. My thoughts and prayers are with family and friends.
Larry & Sally Cicero
Sunday, December 26, 2021
We know how hard it is to lose your Mother. We will keep all of your family in our prayers
JIm Schneider
Friday, December 24, 2021
Tommy,
So sorry to read of the passing of your mother. She had a long and full life, which is comforting, but doesn't make it any easier to give her up. My sympathy and prayers are with you and your family.
- Jim Schneider
Linda Williams Watts
Friday, December 24, 2021
May God wrap His arms around her family. Ms. Braswell was a 'southern' lady in all ways.
Patricia Carter- Lewis
Thursday, December 23, 2021
Ms. Braswell Was Never My Teacher But She Was My Friends Like Many.
Prayers For Her Family.
Carrie stivers
Thursday, December 23, 2021
Dr. Tommy, I am so sorry to hear about Mrs. Braswell. I am keeping your family in my prayers. Sending my condolences.
Sherri Rushing
Thursday, December 23, 2021
HB touched every life she touched. My heart breaks for you. It also breaks for myself, yet I give God the glory that she is no longer suffering. I know today she is seeing clearly picking any weeds that may be there, and celebrating with God and her earthly family and friends who went before her. I will cherish the memories we made over the years. When I make her recipes I'll giggle and say thanks HB, once again, as you go through this chapter of life, you all or in my thoughts, prayers and heart.
Don and Trudy Hughes
Thursday, December 23, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. Helen Bess was a wonderful friend and teacher. She was the best!!
Brent Polk
Thursday, December 23, 2021
Mrs. Braswell "Helen Bess" to my parents, was one of the most delightful people in my childhood. I didn't know as a second grader how important her lessons were but I recognized a force of nature in everything she did. It was a privilege to continue to know her throughout the time I grew up in England, whether she was gardening, raking the leaves or out walking with Mr. Braswell, she was always full of energy and enthusiasm, with a twinkle in her eye. I know she will be missed, but carried on by all of us lucky enough to know her. My deepest sympathies to Tommy, Becky & Leah. We are grateful you shared your mom, and grandmother with us.