Helen Joan (Raney) Hailey, age 91, of Shreveport, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 13, 2024. Born on June 5, 1933, in Shreveport, Helen was a woman whose love and warmth radiated to everyone around her. She was not just a kind-hearted soul, but a deeply compassionate person who believed in the goodness of others and offered her help without hesitation. Helen was the type of person who always saw the best in people, offering kindness and encouragement, especially when life seemed difficult. She had an incredible ability to lift others up with her words and actions, never speaking ill of anyone and always seeking to comfort and inspire.
Helen's faith was the cornerstone of her life. She didn’t just wear the title of “Christian,” she embodied it through her everyday actions. Her life was a living testament to the love and grace of Jesus Christ, and her spirit was a guiding light to all who knew her. Many who crossed her path would even say she was like an angel—someone whose wings were invisible, but whose goodness and compassion shone brightly in everything she did.
Helen was a devoted wife to her late husband, Lewis H. Hailey, and a loving mother to her three daughters, Jean Taylor, Cynthia A. Smith (Randy), and Tracy Calvert (Scott). She took great joy in being a mother, offering her unwavering support and love throughout her children’s lives. But her role as a grandmother was where Helen truly shone. She was the best "Mamaw" anyone could ask for—her granddaughters, Kim Tuminello, Lisa Taylor, Kandace Gruner, Trinity Jones, Molly Calvert, and Haley Calvert, were the center of her world. She showered them with affection, wisdom, and the kind of love that only a grandmother could give. To her family, she was not only a source of strength but also a beacon of grace, humility, and deep, abiding love.
Helen is survived by her daughters, Jean Taylor, Cynthia A. Smith (Randy), and Tracy Calvert (Scott); her granddaughters, Kim Tuminello, Lisa Taylor, Kandace Gruner, Trinity Jones, Molly Calvert, and Haley Calvert; and many other loving family members. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lewis H. Hailey; her son-in-law, Kenneth Taylor; and her parents, Cecil Raney and Bessie B. Grubb Raney.
A visitation will be held for Helen on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at 10:00 AM at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport, Louisiana, 71108. A Celebration of Life will follow at 11:00 AM at Centuries Memorial Park, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport, Louisiana, 71108, with a graveside service. Helen will be laid to rest in Centuries Memorial Park, Veteran Garden II, Lot: 153, Grave: 3.
Serving as pallbearers are Scott Calvert, Randy Smith, Chris Jones, Robert Jones, Joshua DeLoach, Curtis Tuminello, and Jimmy Raney.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Helen’s memory may be made to any church or foundation that spreads the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The family extends special thanks to Desoto Fire District 3, Desoto EMS, and Willis Knighton South for the compassionate care they provided to Helen.
The void she is leaving will only be made whole when we are together with her in heaven. Proverbs 31:30
