Helen Lucile Putt Thomas

Helen Lucile Putt Thomas of Starkville died November 1, 2025 at Trinity Place in Columbus.
She was born December 21, 1931 in Saltillo. She was the daughter of Robert Q and Louie Dye Putt.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack H. Thomas, Sr.
Helen grew up in Starkville, graduating from Starkville High School in 1950. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from the University of Southern Mississippi and a Master of Education from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. She retired in 1993 as Assistant Superintendent in Elk City, Oklahoma.
When Helen and Jack returned to Starkville, they were active member of First Baptist Church of Starkville. Helen was in the choir, Grace-Ruth Sunday School class, International Wives Group and the Joyful Noise Makers Band.
She was a past Matron and life member of the Clinton Chapter #207, Order of the Eastern Star, Oklahoma, Secretary of the Oktibbeha County Hospital Auxiliary, Past President of Starkville Chapter #968 of NARFE. Disaster and Scholarship Coordinator for the Mississippi Federation of NARFE, Oklahoma Association of Supervision and Curriculum, Oklahoma Association of School Administrators, Phi Delta Kappa and Kappa Delta Pi.
Teaching children to read was her passion which led her to being a board member for the Starkville Public Library. She was also a member of Friends of the Library, International Reading Association, and Past President of the Oklahoma Textbook Committee.
Survivors include her two sons, Jack H. Thomas (Lynn) of Houston, TX, and Robert B. Thomas (Debbie) of Starkville, her grandchildren, Chris (Lesli) of Monroe, LA, Mallory Thomas of Cypress, TX, Tiffany Thomas of Columbia, SC, Chase Thomas (Codi) of Montgomery, TX, and Heather Hernandez (Marcos) of Raeford, NC, and nine great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters, Jenny Files of Starkville, Shirley Henderson of Huntsville, AL, one brother, Bobby Putt (Margie) of Cuba NM, as well as nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held November 5, 2025 from 1:00-2:00 p.m. at Welch Funeral Home in Starkville, with the funeral service immediately following. Interment will be in the Memorial Garden Park Cemetery in Starkville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Children's Building Project (First Baptist Church), 106 Lampkin Street, Starkville, MS 39759 or Palmer Home for Children, PO Box 746, Columbus, MS 39701, or charity of your choice.