Helen Grace Mcchesney

Helen Grace Russell McChesney, a resident of Moss Bluff since 1967, passed away on May 18, 2015, at the age of 97. She was born July 31, 1917, in Collins, Arkansas, to Willie Pate and Berdie Phillips Russell. She was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, J. D. McChesney, and by her second husband, Jack Croxdale, and one great-grandson. After marrying J. D. in 1940, Grace resided in Illinois and Texas before moving to Louisiana in 1956. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Moss Bluff and, later in life, First Baptist Church of Gillis, the Order of Eastern Star, and the United Daughters of the Confederacy. Grace was first and foremost an exemplary mother and homemaker. Her love and devotion to her family, joy for life, kindness and service to others, faith, gentility, and selfless dedication to blessing the lives of others will forever be remembered. She was loved, admired and respected by all who knew her--a virtuous woman whose price was "far above rubies." "Her children arise up and call her blessed. Her own works praise her in the gates." Her life's greatest blessings call her Grandma, Memaw, and Grand mere. She is survived by three sons: Robert (Laraine) of Alabaster, Alabama, James (Faye) of Moreauville, Louisiana, and Roger of Lafayette, Louisiana; one daughter, Camilla Croxdale (Tim) of Moss Bluff; 13 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; a sister, Margie Petty (Buford) of Gilmer, Texas; and four nieces and one nephew. The family expresses special thanks to Dr. W. Gerry Hebert and his nurse, Angie, and to Tammy Reynolds, personal friend and caregiver. The service in celebration of her Christian life will be at First Baptist Church, Gillis, at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 23, 2015 with Brother Glenn George officiating. Pallbearers: Michael, Todd, Grant, Brent and Ross McChesney, Beau Croxdale, Connor Gauthier and Aaron Nelson. Interment will follow at Prien Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m., May 22 and from 9:00 - 11:00a.m., May 23 at First Baptist Church, Gillis.