of Conway, AR
March 20, 1926 - September 21, 2014
Helen Irene Bradford Mowrer McKay, 88, of Mayflower, went to be with the Lord Sunday September 21, 2014, She was born March 20, 1926 in DeRoche, AR, to the late James Larkin and Nina Metcalf Bradford. Helen was also preceded in death by her husbands, Clarence V. Mowrer and Ernest N. McKay, her brother, J. Howard Bradford and granddaughter, LeeAnn Mowrer.
Mrs. McKay was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She attended church with friends and family at the Church of God in Story. Mrs. McKay graduated from the Arkansas State Teachers College with a degree in Biology. Later, from University of Central Arkansas, she received her Master's Degree in Education Administration and Counseling. Later, she received a second Master's Degree in Biology from the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa. Mrs. McKay was a career educator. Most of her career was devoted to working with at risk youth at the Arkansas Department of Youth Services as administrator at Knox Nelson High School in Pine Bluff. She loved her work and always strived to make a difference in the lives of those under her care. She has been retired 22 years.
When she retired, her daughter says she ''ran away and got married'' and moved to Story in Montgomery County. She married Ernie and with the marriage came wonderful step children, grandchildren, friends and neighbors, all of whom she cherished. She loved animals, and in later years a little long haired Jack Russell terrier name ''Otto'' P. Outside was her constant companion. Mrs. McKay was an avid sports fan. She loved Razorback Basketball and never missed a game. She would ''help coach them'' and '' help them play'' from her wheel chair. She would cheer them on, woo pig, sooie........
Mrs. McKay is survived by her children, Sheila Mowrer Baker of Mayflower and Charles D. Mowrer of Linden, TX, stepchildren, Terry McKay of Mt. Ida, Kenny McKay of Hot Springs, Lora Forga, and Cathy Cude, both of Story, grandchildren, Dee O'Bar and Natalie S. Baker, both of Mayflower, and Penni Layne Britton of Conway and Dorothy Seals of Dallas, TX, and one brother, Jerry D. Bradford of Mayflower.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, September 25th at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home, Conway (501)327-7727, with Rev. Kent Britton officiating. Burial will follow at Mayflower Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Jack Bradford, Jerry Bradford, Chris Fishburn, Ryan Britton, Billy McCaghren and Glenn Baker. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers the family wishes donations be made to the Humane Society of Faulkner County, P.O. Box 1055, Conway, AR 72033.
Dick, Sheila and Jerry ..My sympathies in the loss of your mother and sister. I remember going to Pine Bluff to visit her many moons ago with Dick. So sorry I missed her service, just got back into town.
She was always so special to me and my favorite teacher! Thoughts and prayers to the family. RIP my friend!
My prays are with you all. And I love you Granny love Jimmy.
A great privilege to know; so many memories.
Lora
Words cannot express how saddened we are. Love you!
Ryan, Penni, Bella & Crosby
Miss you Granny, say hello to Paw for us. Love , Therese, Dominic, Christian and Cameron.