Mary Helen Smith Crawford, a native of Picayune, MS, passed away peacefully in her home on Thursday, August 25, 2022, at the age of 72. Born on August 16, 1950, to the late Hollis (Bert) Smith, Sr. and Mary Lee Smith, Helen was a beloved member of her community and a dedicated member of Pilgrim Bound Baptist Church, where she was baptized at the age of six.

Helen was a 1969 graduate of George Washington Carver High School and furthered her education at Pearl River Community College in Poplarville, MS. She was employed with Mississippi Action for Progress and the Picayune School District, where she made a significant impact on the lives of many.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, her son Terrence (Danny) Smith, and her daughter Dannica Crawford Isaac. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of forty-five years, Samuel Crawford, Sr.; her stepson, Samuel Crawford, Jr. of Gulfport, MS; her son-in-law, Hector (Guy) Isaac, Jr. of Purvis, MS; her grandsons, Jabari Crawford of Picayune, MS, and Donte Crawford of Gulfport, MS; her granddaughters, Baleigh Isaac and Brooke Isaac of Purvis, MS, and Alicia Crawford of Gulfport, MS; her sister, Norma Myers of Picayune, MS; her sisters-in-law, Ethel M. Barnett, Ruth Moffett, and Cora Crawford of Gulfport, MS; her brother, Hollis (Alberta) Smith, Jr. of Picayune, MS; her brother-in-law, David Crawford of Lyman, MS; her Godchildren, Debra Woods, Pam Rhodes, Reverend Brian Dees, Steven Dees, and Rosalind Dees; and many nephews, nieces, relatives, and friends who will miss her dearly.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 3, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Pilgrim Bound Baptist Church, officiated by Rev. Henry Marshall. Visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on the same day.