Helen Rush-Hackett Vaughn, 82, passed peacefully on April 4, 2024, at her residence. She was born April 9, 1941, to the late Benjamin and Lula D. Troupe Rush. Helen graduated from R.E. Hunt High School in 1958 at the age of 16. She furthered her education at Mary Holmes College in 1987 and completed her education in 1989 at Ole Miss. Helen was employed for many years in various capacities including: as an assistant teacher for 2 years at Caledonia School District, 13 years at MUW as a dietician, 5 years at Reach Out, 13 years at Prairie Opportunity Head Start, and 8 years at Mark Mitchell Shelter. She also served as caregiver for many children over the years.

Helen was a pilar in her community and exceptionally dedicated in her church. She accepted Christ at the early age of 13 at Hopewell M.B. Church and remained a faithful member serving as a Sunday School Secretary, Usher Board Secretary, Secretary of the Mother Board, and a member of the women's Missionary Society. In 2006, Helen became a member of Providence M.B. Church serving on the Women Mission Treasure and the Mother Board until she fell ill.

Helen is preceded in death by her father, Benjamin Rush, mother, Lula D. Troupe Rush, and brother, Bennie D. Rush; husbands, Charles Edward Hackett and Charles A. Vaughn, and niece, Ester Marie Washington.

Helen's memories will forever be cherished by: her children, Yolanda Faye (Willie) Hackett-Lowe of Columbus, MS, Dwayne Edward (Katherine) Hackett of Starkville, MS and Keshia (Ronald) Vaughn-Hart of Columbus, MS; her grandchildren, Keon (Memory) Hackett and Wilonda D. Murray both of Douglasville, GA, Dominique A. Hollis of Decatur, GA, Willie Ed (Artaysia) Lowe III,  Shalonda M. Lowe, Diamante E. Hollis, Dyiamond K. Cox, Benjamin A. Lowe and Tyler D. Hart all of Columbus, MS, Kathryn N. Hackett of Starkville, MS, Gracie Hubbard, Olivia Plant, and Mary Beth Jeter; a special daughter, Christine H. Wilks, her God-Brother, Nathaniel Blevins, God-Son, Randy Tuner; 18 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, and friends