Debra Helms Obituary

OXFORD - Debra Ann Helms, 71, passed away October 4, 2023, at Magnolia Assisted Living. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She worked 35 years as Director of Recreation Therapy Department at NMRC, 11 years as Director of Leisure Life Styles at Oxford Park Commission, Adjunct Instructor of her beloved University of Mississippi for 30 years, and consultant of Activity Therapy for multiple hospitals and nursing homes. Deb enjoyed golfing with her family and watching Ole Miss Rebels with her family and friends. Hotty Toddy!Deb is survived by her daughter, Tawny Helms Pryor (Samuel); granddaughters, Samantha Pryor Varner (Ricky), Bethany Pryor, and Lilly Pryor; grandsons, Samuel Thomas Pryor II, and James Scott Bumgardner, Jr. ; great-granddaughter, Paisley Varner; great-grandson, James Varner; brother, David Helms (Janet); sister, Reena Buchanan (Tim); 4 nieces; 1 nephew; 3 great-nieces; and 5 great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Hershel Helms and Darrah Mae Helms. Services will be 2PM, Monday, October 9, 2023, at Tutor Memorial Funeral Home in Pontotoc with Bro. Matt Rayburn and Bro. Ben East officiating. Visitation will begin at 12PM and continue to service time. Burial will follow in Sand Springs Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Mathew Pryor, Thomas Pryor, J. B. Bumgardner, J. D. Woodward, Jake Taylor, Collin Helms, Ricky Varner, and Gibson Rayburn. To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Debra "Deb" Ann Helms, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.