Helen Mays

Helen Moore Mays was born August 30, 1934 to Kathleen McCurdy Moore and Willie Moore in Bay Springs, Mississippi. She was one of four children, with two brothers and one sister, Mildred Moore Daugherty. Her parents and brothers preceded her in death.

Helen married Dr. Nebraska Mays in February 1953. They had three children: Curtis Bernard Mays, Mark Nebraska Mays, and Pamela Mays Smith. She was preceded in death by her sons, Curtis and Mark. She has a daughter-in-law, Kaoko Mays, and a son-in-law, Curtis Smith, and grandchildren Noah Smith, Kousei Mays, and Amane Mays.

Helen was a true Proverbs (Proverbs Chapter 31) type woman. She was kind, giving, and rendered her time, talents, and resources for the betterment of humanity.

Her activities at Alcorn State University included serving on the YMCA Dormitory Council and the Royal Court. Her community involvement in Nashville and Knoxville included Lennon-Seney United Methodist Church, Church Women United, The Links, Incorporated, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Silhouettes Auxiliary, the Parent-Teacher Association, Neighborhood Watch Club, United Negro College Fund Telethon, Faith Unlimited, and The Garden Club.

Helen’s professional positions included serving as Foreign Students Advisor and Counselor at Knoxville College, and Assistant Director for Minority Student Affairs at The University of Tennessee. She also held administrative assistant positions at Tennessee State University and Fisk University.

Her awards and recognitions included a Mentor Citation from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People; Leadership Recognition from The University of Tennessee Commission for Blacks; Reading Is Fundamental Program Participant, Maynard Elementary School; and Loyal Mentor Recognition from the Knoxville College Student Government Association.

Helen was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She adored her family and was always their best cheerleader, supporter, protector, and nourisher. She walked the long mile for their welfare.

She has two sisters-in-law, Dorothy Boston and Yvonne Henry, and many nephews and nieces.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.