Mary Helen Wiggins

Mary Helen Wiggins—a devoted wife, sister, mom and grandmother—passed away on June 8, 2020. She was 81-years old.

Born September 29, 1938, to the late Statler “Stat” Young, a farmer, and Mary E. "Tot" Cupples Young, a homemaker, Mary Helen was the third of eleven children. After growing up on their family farm in Toone, Tennessee and graduating from Bolivar Central High School in 1956, Mary Helen married Lee “Budgie” Edwin Wiggins in 1957. Mary Helen and Lee had two sons, Glenn Edwin and Lynn Edward Wiggins.

Mary Helen’s kindness was the hallmark of her life. She embodied the work-ethic and dedication to family that defined her generation. A quote by John Wesley, an 18th Century English cleric, exemplifies her life: “Do all the good that you can, by all of the means that you can, in all of the
places that you can, at all of the times that you can as long as ever you can.” No one ever left Mary Helen’s house hungry; and usually, not without a homemade cake or pie.

Mary Helen’s love for her siblings, children and grandchildren will be forever reflected in the countless fond memories of visits and family gatherings at her home. She lovingly prepared delicious meals and wanted all to feel welcome, making sure that everyone, even extended family, had a gift at Christmas. Her love for the outdoors provided for many outside interests, including gardening, flowers and bird watching. Central to her life was her Christian faith, and Mary Helen was a longstanding member at Dixie Hills Baptist Church in Bolivar.

She leaves one son, Lynn Wiggins of Hickory Valley, four sisters, Faye Hezeau of Chalmette, LA, Margaret (Deryal) Crawford of Bolivar, Sue (Robert) Thearp of Bolivar and Lois (Don) Hyman of Pickwick, TN; two brothers, Dewey (Pam) Young of Henderson and Carey (Louise) Young of Trumble, CT; four grandchildren, Hunter (Suzanne) Wiggins, Gina (Adam) Ragan, Monica (Garren) Petree, and Ross (Megan) Wiggins; six great-grandchildren, Charlie, Eden and Reid Ragan, Cooper and Lillian Petree, Weston Wiggins.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lee Edwin Wiggins; son Glenn Edwin Wiggins; two sisters, Beatrice Young and Martha Ann Knight; and two brothers, Harold Young and Howard Young.

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and out of concern for our extended family and friends, a traditional visitation/service will not be held. Instead, family and friends will be welcomed to Shackelford Funeral Home in Bolivar to pay their respects from the hours of 10:30 AM until 12:30 PM on Thursday, June 11, 2020.

In lieu of flowers, our appreciative family requests that memorial gifts be made to the Sherry Wiggins Children’s Fund at First Baptist Church – Bolivar, 826 W. Market Street, Bolivar, TN 38008 or by calling the church at 731-658-5123.

Although Mary Helen’s departure leaves an unfillable void in our hearts, we can rejoice in her salvation through Christ. She will be sorely missed and lovingly remembered.

While visiting or attending services for Mrs. Wiggins, please consider the following guidelines:

* Maintain 6 feet between yourself and the next closest person;
* Refrain from hugs and handshakes;
* When you sneeze or cough, use your elbow to cover your nose and mouth;
* Wash your hands often;
* Avoid touching your face; and
* Minimize time spent in places where people gather.

Thank you for your thoughtfulness and consideration.