Helen Smith Mapp

Helen Smith Mapp, known to her sisters and brothers as “Toosie Roll” passed away at the age of 73, on November 30 at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta.

Helen was born on November 9, 1948, in Monticello. Helen moved from Monticello and established residence in Atlanta, with her children whom she loved dearly. Years later she moved to Decatur, where she resided until her passing. She will be greatly missed by friends, family, and all that knew her.

Helen was a graduate of Jasper County Training School. Later, she pursued a career in early childhood education at Sheltering Arms. She enjoyed teaching young children and helping them to reach age-appropriate milestones. Helen worked at Sheltering Arms for over 12 years until her retirement.

Helen began her Christian journey early as a child at St. James A.M.E. Church in Monticello. After moving to Atlanta, she became a member of Wilkes Chapel A.M.E. Church. In 2005, she became a member of World Changers Church International, where she remained until her passing. Helen was a woman of faith and loved Jesus with all her heart, soul, and mind. This is the legacy she has passed on to her children and to all that embraced her presence.

There was no question about whose side she was on… you knew just from the first few minutes of speaking with her, that Jesus was her truth. Even while going through the toils and trials these last couple of months, she believed in the Lord and never strayed away from her belief. Helen fought a good fight up until the very last second. Although she is absent from the body, she is now present with the Lord.

Those who knew Helen, knew her to have a peaceful and meek spirit. Helen loved being surrounded by her family and friends. She saw the good in everyone and everything, regardless of how crazy the situation was.

However, the highlight of her life were the grandchildren. Those children were her heart and joy! They loved spending time at “G-Ma’s” house (name she told grandkids to call her). It was to the point that some of the younger ones would cry because they wanted to stay with G-Ma rather than go to their own home.

During Helen’s leisure time, she would watch home décor shows, plant flowers, read her bible, listen to music, and cook. Yes, Helen loved to cook. She would often invite family and friends over to enjoy a nice home cooked meal. She could make the best fried chicken you ever tasted!

Helen was preceded in death by her dad, James Oliver Smith; mother, Willie Louise Smith; and her sister, Eulah Henry.

Helen leaves to cherish her memory her five children, Terry Scott (Salika), Harold Haslem Jr. (Tracey), Todd Haslem Sr. (Chandra), Mychel Smith, Shuwanna Haslem, and extended son, Gerald Smith; 11 grandchildren, Terri Scott, Demetrius and Dimettera Williams, Ty’rheya and Tyler Hampton-Scott, Heather Haslem, Tyler Haslem, Todd Haslem Jr., Elizabeth Haslem, Keandre Rogers, and Jacques Crawford; five brothers, Willie James Smith (Willie Mae), Eddie Frank Smith (Jacquelin), Morris Smith (Gaynail), Johnny Smith (Catrina), Eugene Smith (Tanya), and two sisters; Mary Fluker Smith, Christine Smith, and a host of great grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021 at World Changers Church International Chapel, 2500 Burdett Road, College Park, Ga. Rev. Carol Jones, was officiant/eulogist.

Final arrangements entrusted to Smith and Sons Funeral Home, 923 Funderburg Drive, Monticello, Ga. 31064, 706-468-6625; smithfunhm@bellsouth.net; www.smithandsonsfuneralhomemonticello.com.