Mrs. Helen (Parish) Gunter of Millcreek, Wash., passed away on Feb. 8, 2024 at home in Millcreek with her precious family by her side. Aunt Helen smiled as she gained her wings to Heaven and took God’s hand as He led her Home.

Helen was born on Sept. 25, 1926, in Laurel. She was the youngest daughter of Ed and Lillie Parish. She was preceded in death by her parents Ed and Lillie (Dyess) Parish and grandparents Will and Martha Parish and Andrew and Edith Dyess. She was also preceded in death by nine brothers and sisters, which include brothers Dave (Mae) Parish, Robert (Chip) Parish, Perry (Gladys) Parrish, Hilton (Neva) Parish, Monroe (Lillian) Parish and Joe (Helen) Parish. Deceased sisters include Jessie Lee (Burnham) Valentine, Inez (Robert) Parker and Lula Mae (Carl) Hudson. She was also preceded in death by nieces Gwen Poppell, Pat Howard, Gala Bonner and Joan Parish. Deceased nephews include Lindsey Parish, Wayne Parish, Eddie Parrish, Freddie Parker, Mike Parish and Randy Parish.

Those left to cherish her memory are her precious son David Gunter; grandsons Alex Gunter and Devin Gunter; and her special caregiver Tina Valentino. Nieces and nephews include Judy (Ron) Gaskin, Joe (Sherry) Parish, Carolyn Youngblood, Ronnie (Pat) Parrish, Tony (Ann) Parish, Becky Lowe, Vicki Bellow, Susan Caves, Joyce Smith, Brenda Jones and Jimmie Gaddis; and her special long-life friend Rachael Carr.

Mrs. Gunter worked for more than 50 years in garment factories, which included Steven’s Sportwear, Ellisville Hosiery, Ellisville Movie Star and Mount Olive Blanket Factory. After retirement, Mrs. Gunter opened an alteration business in her home under the City of Laurel Water Tank.

She did alterations for schools, Laurel Little Theatre, Jones County Junior College football team, and cheerleaders throughout Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi. She will be remembered for her beautiful silk pillowcases, quilts and hand-stitched doll clothes.

Mrs. Gunter was baptized at Parkhaven Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday school from the nursery through young people. She moved her letter to Plainway Baptist Church, where she was still a member and active supporter of Plainway and missions.

Mrs. Gunter took an active part in Laurel Business and Professional Women’s Club during her younger years.  She was a lifetime member of the VFW Ladies’ Post Auxiliary and had a very active part in the American Legion Post 11 Ladies’ Auxiliary. She served two terms as president of Post 11 Ladies’ Auxiliary, as well as committee chairman of many projects. Mrs. Gunter was also chosen Mississippi’s American Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary President of the Year.

Visitation will be at Plainway Baptist Church on Tuesday, Feb. 27, from 1-3 p.m. The funeral service will follow at 3 p.m. Burial will be in Hickory Grove Cemetery. Rev. Ken Johnson will officiate. Memory Chapel Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, make donations to Plainway Baptist Church or the Laurel Veterans’ Museum.

To sign the online guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.

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