MARY HELEN BRUCE

Mary Helen Bruce, age 77, passed away Sunday, March 29, 2015, at her home in Whitley City, Kentucky.

Born in Hilltop, Kentucky, on May 25, 1937, she was the daughter of the late Earl P and Mary (White) Brown.  Besides her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband John T. Bruce.

Surviving family include three sons; Danny Bruce (and wife Erma) of Sevierville, Tennessee, Darrell Bruce of Stearns, John T. Bruce, Jr. (and wife Sandi) of Strunk, five daughters; Jeannie Bruce Hicks of Roanoke, Virginia, Marilyn Chitwood (and husband Darrell) of Marshes Siding, Gladys Thompson (and Keith) of Burkesville, Kentucky, Alice Henson (and Ben) of New River, Tennessee, and Barbara Bruce of Whitley City. 

She has two brothers; Don Brown (and Debbie) of Atlanta, Georgia, and Earl P. Brown, Jr. (and wife Judy) of Richmond, Kentucky, and four sisters; Gloria Hughes of Memphis, Tennessee, Brenda Slusher (and husband Kenneth) of Richmond, Kentucky,  Debbie Gabbard (and Phillip) of McKee, Kentucky and Teresa Napier of Lexington, Kentucky.

Helen was blessed with 18 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.

She was a homemaker and member of the Taylor Ridge United Baptist Church.  She loved sports, especially Kentucky basketball.  She enjoyed horseracing and watching the Kentucky Derby and playing cards.  Her favorite pastime was spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 2, 2015, at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel of McCreary County Funeral Home with Rev. Lenville Maxwell officiating.  Burial will be at the Taylor Ridge Cemetery.  The family will receive friends Wednesday from 6 – 9 p.m. at the funeral home.

McCreary County Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.