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Helen Elizabeth Nash M.D.

Helen Nash Obituary

Nash, Helen Elizabeth M.D. was a pioneer as an African American woman training and starting a medical practice in the 1940s. She broke down racial barriers in the medical community in St. Louis and proceeded to provide excellent health care for thousands of children during the 45 years she was in pediatric practice. Dr. Nash was both the first African-American woman to join the attending staff at St. Louis Children's Hospital (1949) and to become president of the medical staff (1977). Dr. Helen Nash was born August 8, 1921 in Atlanta, Georgia, the third of six children born to Dr. Homer E. Nash Senior and Marie Antoinette Graves Nash. She died October 4, 2012 in St. Louis, Missouri. She earned a bachelor's degree from Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia in 1941 and a medical degree from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee in 1945. She completed her internship and pediatric residency, including chief residency at Homer G. Phillips Hospital in St. Louis. Opened in 1937 as a segregated hospital to serve the black community, Homer G. Phillips was the only place in St. Louis where non-white doctors could get internships and residencies. After residency, Dr. Nash accepted a medical staff position at Homer G. Phillips Hospital. She was instrumental, with the help of mentor Park White M.D., in reducing the premature infant death rate at Homer G. Phillips Hospital by making relatively simple improvements in hygiene and equipment as well as in significantly breaking down racial barriers at Children's Hospital. Separate wards for black children at St. Louis Children's Hospital were abolished in 1947. In 1964, Helen married James Abernathy and together they enjoyed their love of travel, boating, and caring for their dogs until his death in 1980. She enthusiastically explored many hobbies including photography, music, cooking, reading, and collecting. Helen was also a patron of the St. Louis Symphony, the arts, and a board member and contributor to the Missouri Botanical Gardens. She is best known for her work as an advocate for children. She opened her medical practice in 1949 in St. Louis's black business district and it was soon thriving. Through her practice, Dr. Nash cared for three generations of St. Louis children by treating their physical illnesses in the wider context of their emotional, social, and family situations. She has received numerous awards and recognition throughout the years. In 1992, Webster University conferred the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters. She received the 1996 Lifetime Achievement Award in Healthcare by the St. Louis American Foundation and most recently in September of this year, the St. Louis Gateway Classic Sports Foundation 2012 Lifetime Achievement & Walk of Fame Awards. In 1993, Dr. Nash retired as professor emeritus (clinical) of Pediatrics from Washington University. After her retirement, she served as the Washington University Medical School's Dean of Minority Affairs from 1994 to 1996. Each year, since 1996, the Washington University School of Medicine has bestowed the Dr. Helen E. Nash Academic Achievement Award to a student who has exhibited to an unusual degree the qualities of industry, perseverance, determination, and enthusiasm. Dr. Nash is survived by her brother, Dr. Homer E. Nash, Jr., sister, Mrs. Dorothy Shack, nieces, Cheryl Chisholm, Terrell Mann (Steve), Karen Reynolds (Stanley), Sherry Heard, Lauren Nash Ming (Leo), Dr. Alison Nash (Clarence Dula), and Tracey NashHuntley (David Huntley), nephew, Hailu Shack, fifteen grand nieces and nephews, two great-grand nieces, friend and caregiver, Ethel Ellis, former office staff members, and a host of other friends and associates. Services: A memorial service will be held on October 27, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at All Saints' Episcopal Church, 5010 Terry Avenue, St. Louis, MO. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Louis Symphony, the Missouri Botanical Garden or the St. Louis Children's Hospital Foundation.

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Published by St. Louis Post-Dispatch on Oct. 9, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Helen Nash

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Veronica Marshall

October 3, 2023

So many fond memories of Dr Helen Nash. My family that consists of my three adult sons and two grandchildren, who are now patients of Dr. Alison Nash. We will always be a part of the Nash family. Rest on in HIS arms Dr. Helen Nash you will always be remembered by me and my family...always..

October 27, 2012

Dr. Nash was a dynamic force in my life; a mother figure who encouraged me to strive for excellence. She inspired me to pursue education and travel, always challenging me to be a whole person. I am blessed to have had her as my pediatrician and friend.
Best wishes to the Nash family. May Jesus comfort you today and in the days to come.

James Moore

October 26, 2012

Dr. Nash was a great example for what physicians should be and can accomplish for their patients and their community. She was the pediatrician for our first two boys from her office at Jefferson and Cass. She noticed that we were having trouble managing the older boy and "required" us to attend her evening group sessions where she taught all of those attending how to properly discipline and manage the "power struggle". Ever since those days in the early 70's I have marveled at her strength and grace. If I had the power to clone people she would be among the first 10 on my list!

Marshall Family

October 26, 2012

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Jacqueline Edwards

October 20, 2012

Peace and Love.

Jacqueline Edwards

October 20, 2012

Dr. Helen Nash was my pediatrician as a young child and all through college. Not only was she a caring physician, but also a friend. If not, for Dr. Nash I'm certain I would not have attended Spelman College, her Alma Mater.

While there I came across an edition of the Spelman Messenger, with her student photo inside and presented it to her at her home. She smiled and was very appreciative. I will miss her kindness and generosity. To the family, I wish you God's Grace.

Sharon Chapman

October 19, 2012

RIP to a great contributor to our rich St. Louis
history.

Tandy

October 19, 2012

May God bless you all...

Lauren McCadney

October 19, 2012

God has called one of his own home. He certainly greeted her at the gates of heaven with "Well done. In you, I am well pleased". What child enjoyed going to the doctor? As a "Dr. Nash" baby, I did. My condolences to the family. She touched many lives including mine.

D. McCadney

October 18, 2012

May you rest in Peace, Dr. Helen.
Remembering the years you cared for my four young ones -- until we moved from STL, in 1974. You will be sorely missed.

Mary Burgett Lacom

October 14, 2012

I wish to extend my condolences to the entire Nash family.

Victoria Carthen

October 12, 2012

What an earthly lost but heaven's gain. Your life's works will always be a reflection on me. Thank you.

Victoria Carthen

October 12, 2012

What a earthly lost but heavens gain. Your life's works will always be a reflection on me. Thank you.

Murdess Jones

October 12, 2012

Your light will forever burn in my heart. Thank You for caring for me!

October 12, 2012

Dr. Nash played such a great part int he history of my family's health care. She was my husband's pediatian, she pierced my ears at age 1 and because of her professionalism and expertise, we decided to continue on with her family of pediatian. Her brother and niece were my children's pediatrians. May GOD bless and keep the entire NASH family.

Karen Holloway Evans

October 12, 2012

Dr. Nash set the bar for every doctor in my life, particularly for my children's pediatricians. She was an outstanding role model and person. The world was better because she was in it. My sympathies to the Nash family.

Kimberly Clark

October 12, 2012

I live down the street from Dr. Nash as a child and she was our family cnildren's doctor. Dr. Nash, May You Rest In Peace. My thoughts and prayer go out to your family.

Euell F Clark III

October 12, 2012

God bless the Nash family from the Clarks. Dr. Nash treated myself and family for years. She was also a great neighbor and had often supportrd my Boy Scout troop. As a boy I will never forget getting in trouble for running through her Ivy's. So many stories I could share however I will just say thankyou for the lessons, kindness, medical help and friendship.

Rev. Portia Cavitt

October 12, 2012

I shall forever remember Dr. Helen Nash as my pediatrician. She was a phenomenal doctor who cared for me as a child with severe atopic dermatitis and allergies. Going to the Grand office for weekly allergy shots was sometimes a hassle, but going across the street for donuts made it all worthwhile. God bless you Dr. Nash and thanks for your committed service to the children of St. Louis.

Dawn Craig

October 11, 2012

When I was a baby my mother was unhappy with the doctor we had at the time. My grandmother took me and my mother to see Dr. Nash. She had been the doctor for my father and the rest of his siblings. I am 37 now and I can still remember the trips we made into the city to see her. She was a great person. She did so much for so many. She will be missed.

maria gary

October 11, 2012

She will be missed

October 11, 2012

How many of us were inspired to know and blessed to be cared for by Dr. Nash. I have always been grateful for the care our family received and humbled by her generosity and goodness. Her spirit will be missed but live on in all of us whom she inspired. My sympathy to all of the family. Lettie Burgett

Amanda Berry

October 10, 2012

My parents chose Dr. Nash to care for me and my sister with two needs in mind. She attended to our medical needs but she also provided the type of role model that a little girl in the '60s really needed. I felt deep respect for her and had a close bond that made important dialogue between us come so naturally. She was a truly amazing woman.

Diane Fulks

October 10, 2012

God bless the Nash family in your bereavement hour, God is willing and able to comfort

October 10, 2012

How greatly we will miss her. But what an example of excellence she left for us. Sharmel Givens

Wanda Aylor

October 10, 2012

My heart breaks for all of the family. Please know that Dr.Helen Nash was a blessing to my youngest son.

October 10, 2012

Dr Nash cared for my 8 brothers and sisters and myself and OUR children. She was quite a woman, and an even better pediatrician. God's speed

Carol J

October 9, 2012

I will always remember Dr. Nash for her compassion and for her straightforward, no nonsense attitude. She made life better (and possible) for thousands of children in St. Louis. She will be truly missed.

Mary A T Tillman MD

October 9, 2012

Dr. Helen Nash, you were my Mentor and trained me how to Practice Pediatrics. I appreciate all you did for me over the years.
Mary A. T. Tillman MD

Nicole Bostic

October 9, 2012

I was sad to hear about Dr. Nash she was a wonderful doctor, I can remember trips to the office on Grand. Praying for her family.

October 9, 2012

What a legacy for all of us who seek to serve others! What a victorious life...--Charles and Betty Pearson

Jeremy N

October 9, 2012

Dr. Helen Nash you are Truly Missed and Loved God Bless You.

Leslie Edwards

October 9, 2012

Dr Helen will be deeply missed one of the best Doctors I've ever known Your in my Prayer.

Herbert Dula

October 9, 2012

A job well done! My heart felt condolence goes out to the family.

Raquel Wiley

October 9, 2012

Prayers to Dr. Nash and her family. What a remarkable, caring woman who made children her priority, my children and me were and always be Dr. Nash's kids.

TaRhonya Walker

October 9, 2012

So sorry to hear this, she was my dr for awhile way back when, I can remember that office on Cass like it was yesterday, she will be greatly missed!

Ronda A

October 9, 2012

I am truly sadden to hear of Dr. Nash's passing. My prayers go out to her family.

October 9, 2012

I am truly sadden to hear of Dr. Nash's passing. My prayers go out to her family (Dallas, TX)

Verna Massey

October 9, 2012

I started seeing Dr. Homer Nash when I was just a child. Back then it seemed as though everyone we knew either went to Homer, or Helen. Our prayers are with the Nash family. They were an extension of our family, and Dr. Helen is surely going to be missed.

October 9, 2012

Dr. Nash was a wonderful women and very sharp still. She was my son's doctor in 1990. My prayers goes out to her family.

LAVERNE SAMPSON

October 9, 2012

DR. NASH WAS MY CHILDREN DOCTOR, THEY ARE IN THEIR 40'S, MY KIDS LOVED HER, SHE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED, LAVERNE SAMPSON

Veronica Marshall

October 9, 2012

I am so sad to hear of her passing. She was such a great woman. I remember so many memories of her as my pediatrician and my sons pediatrician. Today, her niece Allison is my kids doctor, I will never leave the Nash family. To the Nash family you have my heartfelt condolences. Veronica Marshall and family...St. Louis, MO

Casandra Williams-Martin

October 9, 2012

I remember going to see Dr. Nash as a child and she let us take all the time we needed without rushing us. She was one of a kind and will be missed.

Precious Spann-Holt

October 9, 2012

Words cant express how much this woman meant to me. She was not only my doctor but like a grandma that made sure everything would be better. You knew you were loved by her and her staff! Im 38 years old and I still can see her smile and feel her love. There is noone like her. My prayers are with the entire family!

Sandi Pollard

October 9, 2012

There are many stories I could tell, but I can still remember clearly the day she pierced my ears lol....she was a great pediatrician, but moreover a friend to mine and many of my friends worried mothers. Thanks to her I never had to wear a turtleneck again :)... I didn't like doctors, but she made the experience an easy one and I was grateful for that well into my teenage years. She was kind, gentle and very professional. You could tell she loved us children for real. That's what made a frightening experience better. Rest peacefully Dr. Nash. Job well done!!! On behalf of my mom and I.

Anne and Will Knese

October 9, 2012

Our deepest sympathy to the Nash family. Dr. Helen was truly an inspiration to all who met her. She was a very wise, and gifted person. She was an exceptional doctor and it was an honor to know her. Both my husband and I worked with her at Children's Hospital. I will never forget her smiling face. Peace be with you all.

Bernice Scott

October 9, 2012

Dr Nash was my childhood doctor, and to my siblings. She also took care of my child. She will be missed, and I know God will bring her family to a place of peace. Love and Blessings to all.

Gaye Graham- Whitehead

October 9, 2012

Rest in Peace

Dr. Pamela Jackson

October 9, 2012

God Bless your caring spirit Dr. Nash!! Your contributions to our community & the lives touched by your medical care is immeasurable and the people who are your patients are all over this world! I am pleased to be your a part of this profession of healers from the Dental side, you have left a Great Legacy........ Thank You! Dr. P. Jackson

Tonya Wilson

October 9, 2012

Dr. Helen Nash cared for me as an infant, as well as Dr. Alison (her neice) and Dr. Homer Nash (her brother), wonderful woman, so sorry for the Nash's lost. They are in my prayers. Being a former employee of the Nash's, learned alot from that Pediatric Office, wonderful family.

Secunda Lewis

October 9, 2012

I loved Dr. Helen Nash. She was my doctor as well as the doctor for my children for a while before she retired. She was such a passionate and caring physician. My prayers go out to her family.

Beverly Hadley

October 9, 2012

My son and I were blessed to have had the opportunity to spend quality time with Dr Helen Nash (Aunt Helen). I will miss the humor. She was a Grande Dame.

David Fulks

October 9, 2012

Dr. Nash was an incredible person! I remember being out with my mother years ago and running into her! She didn't remember 'which one I was' but knew who my parents were! We have truly lost a great lady! Our prayers go out to her family.

Alicia Brown-Cousin

October 9, 2012

Rest in Paradise Dr. Nash. Thanks for all your services to me when I was a child and my children as well.. You will be missed.

Constance McNeil

October 9, 2012

My thanks to God for allowing Dr. Helen Nash to be a very important part of my life. What a great lady she was. May God always bless and keep her family and friends in His care. He is our strengh at all times. There is none great.

October 9, 2012

Dr. Nash was my doctor as a child, we knew she was an exceptional doctor through experience with her, but did not know just how special she was to the greater community. I am now 63 yrs. old and am thankful for the expert care I recieved from her as a child.God bless you Dr. Nash.

Cheryl Little-Berry

October 9, 2012

Dr.Nash was our family pediatrian to me and my siblings. I remember how she would enter the examining room and say "How is my little Little doing today". She was a excellent and brilliant doctor. May God grant the family strength and comfort in the upcoming days.

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