Helen Yvonne Bryan

Jonesboro- Helen Yvonne McAuliffe Bryan was born on August 1, 1936 to Richard E. and Louise Walley in Lepanto, Arkansas. She transitioned to her heavenly home surrounded by love on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at Liberty Park Senior Living in Jonesboro, Arkansas. She was preceded in death by her husband, George J. Bryan, father, Richard Walley, mother, Louise Roushall Moon, sister, Sue Walley Spencer and stepfather, Bert Moon.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Darrell (Judy) Speakes of Brookland, AR, Joe F. McAuliffe, Jr. of Ravenden, AR and Beverly Speakes of Cherokee Village, AR. Grandchildren, Andy Speakes, Misty (Rodney) Secrease, Jeremy (Brandi Rinks) Speakes and Tim (Kaitlyn) Speakes, Stacy (Chris) Adams and Joe F. McAuliffe, III. Great Grandchildren, Alex Browne, Cailyn (Randy) Secrease-Pate, Keaton Adams, Kreed Speakes, Jovie Speakes, and Joe F. McAuliffe, IV. Siblings, Glenda (Chuck) Blahut, Freda (Benny) Paxton, Danny (Christy) Payne, Deborah (John) Martin and Gale (Jim) Markley, many nieces, nephews and extended family.

Helen was an independent woman and owned her own businesses at a time where that was not the norm. She graduated from cosmetology school and owned and operated Fashion Beauty Salon in Trumann, AR for many years. She also graduated from secretarial school and worked as a legal assistant for a local law firm. In retirement, she and George moved to Marcella, AR where they were active in the folk music community. Helen had a servant heart and volunteered in service to several non-profit organizations in various communities. She was a lover of animals, birds, and flowers and all flourished under her nurturing care.

During her many years in Trumann, she was a long time member of the First United Methodist Church. Helen loved her family heritage and had been a proud and active member of the Society of Mayflower Descendants in Arkansas and was a current member of the Jonesboro Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution.

Services will be held at Gregg-Langford-Bookout Funeral Home Chapel on Friday, December 5, 2025, with visitation from 1:00 p.m-2:00 p.m. A celebration of life memorial service will begin at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Jim Markley officiating.

The family would like to offer special thanks to Liberty Park Assisted Living Facility and Elite Hospice.

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