Helen Ruth Thompson-Lashley began her earthly journey in Columbus, Mississippi, on August 12, 1937, and completed her journey on Sunday, July 2, 2023.

She was the oldest child born to the union of Annie Mae Williams Thompson and William A. Thompson. Helen proceeded in death by her beloved parents and siblings, Susie and Bennie Williams, William Earl, James Alexander, and Bernice Laverne Thompson.

Helen confessed Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church and served faithfully in many roles until her health did not permit. Helen, along with her sisters served as secretary of the Sunday School in a rotating manner. Collectively they were nurtured by the community, family, church, and friends. She was educated at Mitchell Memorial Elementary School, Union Academy, and Hunt High School. During her high school years, she developed a passion for sports and later became a beautiful cheerleader. Helen grew up in a Christian home where her father served as the superintendent of the Sunday School and Deacon of the Church.

She was an avid reader and a lifelong learner whether she was receiving certifications in fitness and wellness, nutrition and healthy living, studying the Bible, the Daily Word, or sharing "gems of encouragement".

Helen entered into a loving union with the late William Fred Lashley, Jr. whom she loving referred to as "Lash".  They raised and educated six beautiful children who were the highlight of their being.  Our beloved Helen invested in her children by continuously planting seeds for success which included the importance of having a relationship with Christ, being an active member in church, and having a good disposition will take you a long way through life.  Helen had a uniquely remarkable relationship with her children.  Each child received a version of her which ranged from her love of the weekly soap opera discussions and a love of the blues. Her conversation always included her famous life lessons "parables" and always ended with, I love you.

She leaves to cherish her six beautiful children: Patricia (Alex) Taylor of Round Rock, Texas; Laverne Lashley of Arlington, Virginia; Dewayne Lashley of Moss Point, Mississippi; Ketra Lashley (Larry Andry) of Chicago, Illinois, Kimberly M. Lashley of Columbus, MS; and Yanci T. Lashley of Chicago, Illinois. Her bonus children Elder James "Larry" (Sharnia) Lashley of Chicago, Illinois; Linda (Frank) Wynn of Clarksdale, Tennessee; Sandra (Thomas) Mitchell of Dallas, Georgia; Tylana and Sammy McShan of Columbus, Mississippi. Her only beloved sister, Dr. Evelyn J. Leggette of Pearl, Mississippi; brother-in-laws Rev. Johnny Will Lash (Gloria) of Southaven, Mississippi, Floyd (Debra) and Lloyd (Africa) Lash of Columbus, Mississippi; Elijah (Helen) Lash of Holly Springs, Mississippi; and Joe (Annie) Lash of Columbus, Mississippi; sister-in-laws Virginia Lashley-Aaron and Rose Pratt-Guyton of Columbus, Mississippi and a God-daughter and caregiver, Sharon (Carl) Gardner of Columbus, Mississippi.

She leaves the Lashley legacy to continue through her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a host of special children, family, and friends.

Carter's Funeral Services is inviting you to a scheduled livestream for the Homegoing Celebration of Mrs. Helen R. Lashley
on Saturday, July 8, 2023, at 11:00 AM CST.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2061604094?pwd=5hKBLbt1GETr1roA0NKfvG2PO78gCk.1

Meeting ID: 206 160 4094
Passcode: carters