Thompson, Helen Faye Holley

Helen Faye Holley Thompson

April 21, 1938 – August 1, 2026

Helen Faye Holley Thompson, born April 21, 1938, in Kosciusko, Mississippi, to Lillian Grace Morgan Holley and Sam B. Holley, passed away on August 1, 2026. Her life was marked by deep faith, quiet strength, generous love, and an unwavering devotion to her family and to others.

Helen is survived by her beloved husband of nearly 70 years, Billy Thompson. Their love story began by chance when Billy visited cousins in Kosciusko who lived near Helen’s home. What seemed like an ordinary meeting became the beginning of a lifelong partnership, one that continued after Billy returned from serving two years of active duty with the Army in Germany.

She is also survived by her three children, Chad (Christie) Thompson, Holly (Tom) Middleton, and Ritchie (Joy) Thompson; three granddaughters, Heather (Mitchell) Farmer, Ashley (Joey) Mock, and Lydia (Michael) Schafer; and seven great-grandchildren, Cate, Callie, Will, Jack, and Tommy Mock, and Audie and Eloise Farmer. Helen is also survived by three nieces, Helen Grace (Michael) McCune, Becky Hess, and Susan McBride, as well as Joy’s children, Chris Emano and Megan (Brad) Lewellen.

Helen knew hardship early in life. After losing her mother at a young age, she lived with various relatives while her father traveled to find work and provide for Helen and her two older sisters. Those early experiences helped shape the resilience, compassion, and tender heart that would become so evident throughout her life.

Helen’s Christian faith began after attending a Billy Graham crusade as a teenager. That faith became the foundation of her life and a passion that guided her choices, strengthened her family, and shaped the way she loved and served others.

Although Helen attended college for a short time after marrying, she set aside her own educational pursuits to support Billy’s career and raise their three children. She poured herself into her home with joy and devotion. She was a loving mother and, as Billy will tell you, “a perfect wife.”

Helen had a joy for life and an insatiable hunger for studying Scripture. She could often be heard singing hymns as she cared for her home with three children underfoot, filling ordinary days with music, warmth, and faith. Later, she mentored young couples through Bible study in her local church, sharing wisdom with humility and love.

She was generous, kind, and patient, consistently putting the needs of others ahead of her own. Her gentle spirit showed itself not in grand gestures, but in a lifetime of faithful love, steady encouragement, and quiet service.

In her late thirties, Helen returned to her dream of earning a college degree and entered a nursing program, receiving her R.N. certification just months before her oldest son entered college. She excelled as a nursing student, earning top grades and honors. Yet it was her love for people and her dedication to service that made her an exceptional nurse. For more than 15 years, she cared for patients in hospital settings and through home health nursing, bringing skill, compassion, and dignity to those entrusted to her care.

Above all, Helen will be remembered for the love she gave so freely, her selfless dedication to family, and the countless joyful memories she created with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was a cherished friend to many—quick to listen, slow to speak her own opinion, and always willing to help. Her legacy lives on in the faith she shared, the family she nurtured, the lives she touched, and the love that will continue to surround all who were blessed to know her.

Family and friends are invited to gather in loving remembrance of Helen and to honor the beautiful life and legacy she leaves behind. Visitation will be held at Kutis South County Chapel, 5255 Lemay Ferry Road, Thursday, August 6, 3 -5 p.m. A Celebration Service will follow on Friday, August 7, at 9 a.m., with burial afterward at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. View Service Live Stream   In Lieu of flowers donations to Hope Vineyard Church.