Helen Brock Napier was born on September 28, 1923, in her family home just outside of Drew, Mississippi. She's the second child of Henry Dewey Brock and Fay Lord Brock, alongside her brother Charles, who lived to the impressive age of 95, and her sister Mary Elizabeth Goodwin, who is in her late 90s. Helen died on January 2, 2024, at the impressive age of 100.
Helen's early years were marked by education and determination. At age 5, she embarked on her educational journey, starting elementary school alongside her older brother who was also starting first grade. Fast forward to her high school years, where she was the valedictorian of Drew High School. Because of her longevity, she was the sole surviving member of her graduating class for many years.
After high school, Helen pursued her dreams at Delta State Teachers College (now Delta State University) and later at Mississippi Southern College (now the University of Southern Mississippi). In Hattiesburg, Helen lived with her Aunt Kate who, like Helen, was a strong and powerful woman, heading the Mississippi Nurses Association.
Helen didn't quite finish college because of the war. Her career kicked off at the Mississippi Methodist Advocate, a newspaper with an office situated on the campus of Millsaps College. But, as fate would have it, love entered the picture when she met Manny, on a blind date. Their initial encounter might have been a bit surprising; when Manny leaned in for a goodnight kiss after that first date, Helen playfully slapped him and stated, 'A woman doesn't kiss on the first date.' Despite this unconventional start, they tied the knot in 1950.
They were initially told they couldn't have children. Thirteen years and thirteen days later, their son Steve came into this world, and a local newspaper proudly announced his birth, declaring 13 to be a lucky number for the Napier family.
Helen's career took a new direction at First National Bank (now Trustmark), where she worked in the Personnel Department for many years. Several months after Steve’s birth, Helen joined the Mississippi Department of Banking, an opportunity that came with its own set of challenges. The office was on the 12th floor of the Woolfolk Office Building, and Helen, afraid of heights, had her reservations.
Helen worked under several governors and frequented the legislature, often presenting the Department's budget. Helen had a successful career at the Mississippi Department of Banking and Consumer Finance, retiring at the impressive age of 75. During her tenure, she became the first woman president of the National Association of Consumer Credit Administrators (NACCA), a role that saw her lead the association in creating a national training school that still thrives today.
Helen was a trailblazer for women in the banking industry, often being the sole woman in the boardroom. She was the first woman in the country to hold the highest non-appointed position in a state banking department. When she and Manny attended national conventions, the spouses' activities were mainly for women, he went along anyway. He was a pillar of support for her. Manny died in January 1997 after a long illness. Helen was by his side when he passed.
Helen loved family and took great joy in planning and organizing the Lord Family Reunion. She knew the names of everyone including the newest members of the family. She also loved her church Broadmeadow United Methodist Church and served in various leadership roles. Recently, a church member said Helen brought more new members into the church than anyone else.
In 1995, Helen embraced the role of grandmother “Mimi”. She spent quality time traveling to Atlanta to visit her granddaughters Kate and Sarah. Mimi loved attending their activities, especially their dance recitals and graduations. When the granddaughters were young, Mimi took the family on a magical Disney Cruise. Mimi bought Sarah and Kate cars when they got their driver's licenses. Sarah and Kate love to dance in large part because Mimi and Manny went dancing every Friday night at the Heidelberg Hotel in Jackson.
Helen was a world traveler, making trips to Russia, Israel, Spain, and Alaska. She was a community volunteer, tutoring children at Boyd Elementary School, and serving on the Board of Community Place Nursing Home while in her nineties. Helen hosted many parties for church and community members, and people would always look forward to the next party on Helen’s patio.
For years, Helen and her neighbor Lila began each day with a brisk 3-mile walk. The two friends savored a glass of white wine every day at 4 pm “Wine Time”. With a circle of friends and loving family surrounding her, these may be the secrets to her enduring and remarkable life.
Helen is survived by her son Steve, her granddaughters Kate and Sarah, and her daughter-in-love, Carol. She is also survived by her sister Mary Elizabeth Goodwin, her cousin Lewis Lord, her cousin Elaine Gemmell, her cousin Jean Reid Goodwin, her nephew Dr. Charlie Brock, her nephew Tommy Goodwin, family members Sherry Campbell and Jennifer Wright Villarreal, and other members of the Lord, Brock, and Goodwin families.
A celebration service will be at Helen’s beloved church: Broadmeadow United Methodist Church on Saturday, January 6th, at 3:00 pm.
Instead of flowers, donations can be made to Broadmeadow United Methodist Church, 4419 Broadmeadow Street; Jackson, MS 39206. Venmo: @BroadmeadowUMC
