Mrs. Helen L. Rushing Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

My name is Helen Louise (Dean) Rushing. I was born on February 7, 1948, and I peacefully ascended to the Father's throne on April 25, 2022 at the age of 74, surrounded by so much love and family. I had an amazing life. I was raised in the Yazoo City/Lexington communities and had many memories with family and friends there. I accepted Christ at an early age and attended St. Matthews Church of God in Christ where my father, the Reverend Percy Dean, Sr, who preceded me in death, was the pastor. My mother, Louise Dean, who also preceded me in death, was a lover of music and known for her cooking abilities all around the city. I grew up in a large family, with one sister and five brothers. My brothers, Percy, Jr., Jonathan and Nathaniel Dean all greeted me in Heaven. I was blessed to be called "Mama" by three beautiful children, Swillis 'Dell Dean, affectionately known as "Champ", who preceded me in death, Vester Ware, Jr. and Cynthia Ware. They are my pride and joy, and I am so very proud of the people they have become. I have two wonderful grandsons, Zion and Ansley, who I know will make their marks on the world. Just always remember that Grandma is still screaming "Woo that's my boy!" (Just listen for it!). I also have an honorary grandson, Chase McCormick who shared my love for music and would sing to me nonstop and always give me 100 kisses (Sound familiar?). I believe that you never stop learning. My pursuit of knowledge led me in many directions. I attended Saint's College, Mississippi Valley State University, Tougaloo College, and even received a Masters Degree in Christian Education at the age of 70 from the Touch of Love Theology Institute. Above all things, I loved the word of God, and my thirst for knowledge would often find me surrounded with books, a pen, and notepad. I have been blessed to have been in love and married to my college sweetheart, Vester Ware, Sr., who remained my great friend and co-parent despite our divorce, and to Reverend Dr. Philip Rushing Sr. who, after many years, I was reacquainted with and began a life of ministry in Montgomery, Alabama until his death. My life has taken me to many places to live, from Greenwood to Jackson, Mississippi where I worked, lived and raised my children. In Jackson, I held many titles, such as educator, social worker and Minister of the Gospel.As a minister, I was involved in many churches around the city, but my most memorable experience was with Turning Point Mission Center with Pastor Michael and Arnette Owen where I functioned in many capacities during the years. When I moved to Montgomery, Alabama, I joined the Central Community Christian Church under the leadership of Pastor Robert Belcher. I met many special people, one of which became my second daughter, Felicia Shorter. Felicia took care of this old girl until I moved to Nashville, Tennessee area to live closer to my son, and I am truly grateful. One Sunday, I visited church with my son and his family at First Baptist Church Gallatin under the leadership of Dr. Derrick L. Jackson, who I learned was also from Mississippi. Immediately, I knew I was at the right place. I quickly begin working in the choir, teaching children's church and giving great advice, and I remained there until God called me Home. There are many people I love that I leave to cherish my memory, most of which are too many to name, but I have to mention the following: my son, Vester Ware, Jr. (Angela) of Gallatin, Tennessee, my daughter, Cynthia Ware of Derby, Connecticut; my grandsons, Zion and Ansley Ware of Gallatin, Tennessee, my sister, Priscilla Dean Sade and my brother, Samuel Dean (Denise) of Houston, Texas, my brother, James Dean (Elaine) of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, my uncle Bishop William Dean (Joann) of Lexington, Mississippi, my friend/sister, Brenda "Dee Dee" Foreman of Kansas City, Missouri, and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Mrs. Helen L. Rushing

February 7, 1948 - April 25, 2022