Helen Carlisle Stroup, 64, of Batesville, MS passed away on Thursday, September 4, 2014 at her residence, after a short illness.

She was born in Batesville, MS on June 9, 1950 and grew up in the Enon community on Dummy Line Road. She graduated from Crowder High School as Salutatorian, where she loved playing basketball and proudly held the record for the most scored points in a game (38 points). She was a graduate of Delta State University, where she received a B.S. degree in education. As a teacher for Panola County Schools for twenty five years, until her retirement, she was devoted to her profession, and often said, “I always felt like my calling in life was to be a teacher.” She was thrilled to watch the progress of the children, as she influenced them through her guidance and love. Helen was devoted to her Christian faith and member of First United Methodist Church in Batesville, where she formerly taught Sunday school and served on the Finance Committee and Administrative Board. She also served on the Panola County Foundation for Public Schools and the Panola County Humane Society. She loved flowers and working in her yard, had a true talent for organizing and decorating, and enjoyed collecting rabbits. She will be remembered as a wonderful wife, mother, sister, aunt, mentor, teacher and friend.

Mrs. Stroup is survived by her husband, Jerry Stroup of Batesville, MS; one daughter, Megan Carlisle Willoughby (Charles) of Hernando, MS; two sisters, Carolyn Toliver and Margaret Darby, both of Batesville, MS. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Robert “Bobby” N. Carlisle and her father, Birl M. Bolen.

Memorial contributions may be sent to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123; Palmer Home for Children, PO Box 746, Columbus, MS 39703;First United Methodist Church, PO Box 797 Batesville, MS 38606 or American Heart Association PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284.