Helen Duckworth

Helen Duckworth-Burttschell, 72, of Austin, TX, passed on January 19, 2011, in St. Louis, MO, following her ten month battle with a head injury sustained in an automobile accident. Helen Ruth Reynolds was born on February 19, 1938 in Skene, MS in the heart of the Mississippi Delta and was raised in a close-knit family with her older brother and two sisters. Following her graduation from Mississippi College for Women, Helen married Lester Duckworth in 1959, with whom she created a loving household for their two daughters, Leslyn and Kala in multiple locations, including New Orleans, LA; Houma, LA; The Hague, The Netherlands; Stavanger, Norway; London, UK; and Jackson, MS. In each of these locations Helen and her family made numerous life-long friendships. Among these friendships were Millie and John Burttschell. Years after the passing of Mr. Duckworth and Mrs. Burttschell, Helen married John Burttschell. Together, they reveled in their new relationship to each other at the home they established in Austin, TX. Helen carried her passion for art and antiques into her marriage with Mr. Burttschell and added a new found enjoyment of hiking, walking and dancing. In their marriage, Helen and John explored many notable places including Glacier National Park, Lake Louise, and Guadalupe Peak, and enjoyed dining experiences ranging from very rustic to opulent.

Helen was an intensely caring person who immersed herself in her family. Her daughters profess that she was the greatest mom ever and her husband relishes each day they were able to spend together, even during Helen's infirmity. Helen made a lasting impression of care and love on each person who had the good fortune to know Helen through her many travels and residences. Her first husband, Lester Duckworth; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.D. Reynolds; her brother, Kenneth Reynolds; and her older sister, Laverne Reynolds Heslep, preceded her in death.

Helen is survived by her second husband, John Burttschell of Austin, TX; daughters, Leslyn Duckworth Ellston of St. Louis, MO and Kala Duckworth Horecky of Madison, MS; grandchildren, Reynolds Ellston, Katilyn Wilson, Jack Ellston, Carter Ellston, Clara Ward Wilson, Thomas Ellston, Coker Wilson, and Helen Anne Horecky, and sister, Jean Reynolds Bobo of Pearl, MS.

The family expresses their deep appreciation to Helen's caregivers at Sunrise Living for their kindness and support. The love and memories of Helen will forever be cherished in the hearts of her family and friends and she will be missed dearly by all. In God's mercy we trust her to His care.

In celebration of Helen's life, a visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 25th at 10:00 a.m. in the St. Francis Hall of St. Andrews Episcopal Cathedral in Jackson, MS. A memorial service will follow in the Cathedral at 11:00 a.m. A graveside family service will be on Monday in Cleveland, MS.

Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.

A Service of Lupton Chapel, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-721-1870.