Mrs. Helen Meacham Huffman Anderson's Obituary
Helen Meacham Huffman Anderson January 6, 1949 to October 15, 2019
On January 6, 1949, a blessing was bestowed upon Cyril Hamilton Meacham and Mary Madge Wright Meacham of Arbyrd, MO. A red headed, left handed bundle of joy they named Helen. She grew up and spent her teenage years in Piggott, AR. As a member of the Piggott High School Marching Band she played the baritone saxophone when the band performed at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, TX. At 3:25 PM on October 15, 2019 Helen passed away in the arms of her husband, Tom. Her journey here on earth is complete, she was called home and now plays in Heaven’s Angel Band.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, Thomas P. Anderson, Jr.; her children, Heather Lynn Huffman in Collierville, TN and Jon Paul Huffman in Bella Vista, AR.; her sister, Paula Eaton of Birmingham, AL; uncle Lloyd Meacham (Marlene) of Dunedin, FL; cousins Linda Moore of Dunedin, FL, Julie Robertson (Rick) of Birmingham, AL, and Denny Huckaba (Michelle) of Knoxville, TN. Surviving her are also her step-children, Leean Page Cherry Luter (Buddy) of Franklin, TN, Dr. Thomas Page Anderson, III (Chellie) of Starkville, MS; her step-grandchildren Cathleen Cherry Johnson (Tyler), Bo Johnson and Ruby Paige Johnson; and two step cousins Aaron Anderson (Lori) of Franklin, TN, Clayton Anderson (Keisha) of Jacksonville, FL.
The friends, neighbors, and medical professionals that loved and cared for Helen are numerous. There are no words to adequately express our gratitude to them for their help, prayers, and love during her Alzheimer’s Journey often called “The Long Goodbye.” The support of her extended family was wonderful. The membership of the Mount Juliet Church of Christ, especially the Women of the Church, was inspirational. Your cards, letters and visits, not to mention the food, were joyful expressions of your love for Helen and your prayers lifted us up every day of this journey. As we negotiated this 6 year journey, her care givers were patient and understanding. Special thanks to Dr. Paul Newhouse at Vanderbilt, also to her Kindred Hospice team, especially Sam, Regat, Susan, Fran, Jessica, Jonathan, and Mona who were on the “firing line” each day. Her friends and neighbors Peggy, Doylene, Kathy, Mayola, Annie, Marlyn and Wayne, Randy and Barbara, Bob and Ginger, and Taylor were always there to offer help and support.
Finally, a grateful and heart felt “Thank You” to a lady who God sent to cross our path. I was looking for a “sitter” to help me care for Helen daily at home through the balance of her journey. What I got was Vanita Ragbir. She said I didn’t need a sitter, I needed a “Care Partner” (her words). She was right and I could not have survived this journey without her help. Helen loved her and Vanita loved her back.
Helen loved all of you and you loved her back. “Goodbye my beautiful red headed, left handed, freckled face life partner. I love you Momma.”
In lieu of flowers please consider making a memorial gift to support the Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital - Clinical Care for Dementia.
Please make checks payable to Vanderbilt University Medical Center - can be sent to:
Vanderbilt University Medical Center Development
Gift and Donor Services
3322 West End Avenue, Suite 900
Nashville, TN 37203
To make a gift by phone, please call 800-288-0028. Gifts can be made online at Vanderbilthealth.org/giving.
All gifts should be identified as "in Honor or in Memory of Helen Anderson."
What’s your fondest memory of Helen?
What’s a lesson you learned from Helen?
Share a story where Helen's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Helen you’ll never forget.
How did Helen make you smile?