Birth date: Oct 17, 1922 Death date: Nov 14, 2022
Helen Ruth Bass Bourgoyne lived one hundred years before passing on November 14, 2022. Known for her contagious smile, Helen Ruth was as persevering as she was optimistic. She not only had an outer positivity, but also drew from a Read Obituary
Two words come to mind when I recall Helen Ruth Bourgoyne: joy and grace.
I had the joy of having her be a part of my life from the time I was a little boy at the First Baptist Church of Memphis. She was one of the the "youth moms" that raised so very many of us and was a constant influence and guiding hand on so many lives. When I was younger, she was "Mrs. Bourgoyne." When I got older, she became my good friend, "Helen Ruth."
I was pleased she said, "yes," when I asked her to serve on the Church Archives Committee when I was named Church Archivist in 1989. Together with Janie Pople and Maggie Jordan, the three of them, most especially, served as my personal "trinity"—guides, partners and voices of wisdom over the decades—in preserving and recording and sharing the wealth of our church history. Our collection is filled with photos that she, herself, took over the years as a gift to others.
I have treasured cards she sent to me over the years, and I was the recipient of many personal remembrances and gifts of food whenever I visited. She was patient and loving and giving, among her many qualities. I don't ever remember her being less than joyous—I can't even imagine that, honestly—and I never heard her say an unkind thing about anyone, nor anyone say an unkind thing about her. She was so deeply loved by all who knew her.
I miss her and can't wait to see her again one day. Our pastor emeritus, Dr. R. Paul Caudill, was fond of using the word, "elect," to describe a certain type of person. According to the Cambridge dictionary, the term signifies "someone chosen by God." I cannot think of a more appropriate description of Helen Ruth Bourgoyne than that she was someone chosen by God.
The first time I met Helen Ruth at 1st Baptist in the Women of Faith class, I knew there was no way she was as sweet as she “pretended” (I thought) to be. Yes, I was a bit cynical. After getting to know her, she was an even more wonderful person than she seemed. She was an amazing mentor and friend. Helen Ruth made an indelible mark on my life and soul, as she has on many people’s lives. I am grateful to have known her, and look forward to seeing her again. Can’t wait to hear those stories when we meet again. I’m so sorry for her loss but so grateful we have Eternity to share. My love to her family and those she impacted in her amazing life.
SHE WAS SUCH A BEAUTIFUL LADY AND WILL BE MISSED BY EVERYONE WHO WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO KNOW HER. GAYLE HEROS
